For the second year in a row, the Greenville Tigers are heading to the Birmingham area for the first round of the playoffs.

Last year, the Tigers fell to Jess Lanier, and they’re surely looking for a different result this season against Briarwood Christian.

Head coach Ben Blackmon said a well-coached team awaits the Tigers.

“They are a very, very disciplined team,” he said. “They have a very sound defense.”

Blackmon said the key for his team lies in fundamentals.

“We’ve got to block, tackle, execute and basically just be better,” he said. “Their coaches do a great job of making sure their players are in position to make a play. They’ve got a good kicking game, and their defense doesn’t give up the big play.”

The Lions come in with an 8-2 record, and this is not unfamiliar territory for them — Briarwood was the state runner-up in 5A last season.

After starting the season 0-2, the Tigers have won seven of their last eight games.

“We’re pretty healthy, and we’ve just got to make sure we play a good game,” Blackmon said.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Friday night in Birmingham.