For the seventh week in a row, the McKenzie Tigers found themselves in familiar territory with a W in the column following a commanding 51-14 win over the Florala Wildcats.

But it wasn’t the 37-point victory that impressed McKenzie head coach Josh McLendon the most, but the enthusiasm with which his team accomplished it.

“We started out fast and defense did a good job early on,” McLendon said.

“We came out and played with a lot of enthusiasm right from the beginning and we just had a good time and had fun.  It was an all-round good game, I thought.”

But perhaps most impressive of all was his team’s composure after mounting a nearly insurmountable lead over the Wildcats.

McLendon added that it was his defense’s composure and desire to play all four quarters that made the true difference.

“We just focused on not letting up and playing every play like it’s our last play,” McLendon said.

“But most of all, our kids just enjoy playing.  They have fun, and we just believe that once you’ve got somebody down, you don’t let them back up.”

Running back Ty Adams had a big night on the ground, averaging more than 14 yards per carry with 129 yards total on the night.

Chris Shufford finished with three receptions for 198 yards.

Seth Collin Keeney and Hunter Knight each recovered a fumble that all but sealed the deal for a struggling Florala offense.

Friday’ win earns McKenzie homefield advatage in the playoffs, but not before the Tigers travel to Brantley for a match between undefeated teams next Friday.