Getting there is one thing. The Caddo Bruins (8-2) ended a long playoff drought by ending the regular season with seven straight wins, and will have to get by Laverne (6-4) to extend the season.

“We’ve had real good practices, they know (Laverne) is going to be tough but I think they know we have a good chance,” said Caddo coach Randy Hitsman.

Laverne will travel close to 340 miles to play the Bruins at Paul Laird Field Friday night. They enter the game with an edge in postseason experience, coming off a state finals season after losing to Garber in the title game last year.

“Anytime you have playoff experience it helps you, no doubt,” said Hitsman. “I think it’s going to help (Laverne) a little bit, but I think the excitement of getting there also has a lot to do with it, ya know ... when I was at Caddo Mills (Texas), we played Grand Saline and they used to be a powerhouse, and they’d be in the playoffs year in and year out, and we got over there and beat them because we just played better than they did. It just comes down to who plays the best that night.”

Hitsman describes Laverne as a power team.

“They’re real big. They’ve got a lot of size,” said Hitsman. “I think we’ve got a lot more quickness than they do, of course they’ve got a quarterback who’s been hurt they’ve got back this week.

“I haven’t seen him on film, but I heard he’s real good, so he will make a difference on their quickness, I’m sure.

“They run at you. They’re going to throw it five, six, seven times a game and then they’re going to try and jam it down your throat.”

Hitsman was impressed with the play-making ability of Laverne’s tight end, and a pair of All-State linebackers.

“We’re hoping we can come out and throw the ball pretty well,” said Hitsman. “We’ve done a good job of it most of the year. It’ll come down to our front blocking, if we can give Nate (Owens) a little time to throw the ball.”

Hitsman said his team is looking forward to the move to Paul Laird Field.

“Our field is torn to pieces,” said Hitsman. “We had three mud games in a row and its just torn to pieces. Plus, it’s exciting letting kids come over here and play on a nice turf field. It’s fun for the kids. It’s special.”

A few adjustments will have to be made so the dimensions matchup with 8-man rules.

“We have to move it in,” said Hitsman. “It’s 53-feet wide for 11- man, and a little over 40 for us, so really the bottom of the numbers is where the line is we’re going to have to chalk up.”

Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. Friday.