Jemison had probably rather be entering Friday’s first-round playoff football game on a roll rather than losers of two of their last three.

But the Panthers (6-4) are right where they wanted to be before the season started.

“One of our goals starting the year was hosting a first-round game, and our kids were able to accomplish that,” Jemison coach Brad Abbott said.

Their reward is a visit from Holtville (7-3), which will feature one of the most unusual attacks in the state: the “spin offense.”

“We have to know our assignments, line up correctly and not overpursue. They run motion and a lot of counter stuff. We have to be disciplined,” Abbott said but then admitted the game plan might be easier to develop than to execute. “I’ve been sitting here watching it (on film) for three days, and I still get confused.”

Holtville will line up in what appears to be a typical double wing formation, but then the wackiness begins.

Either one of the wings might motion in front of or behind the quarterback, who is in the shotgun. After the snap, the quarterback will turn his back to the line of scrimmage—hence the “spin”—to disguise whether he’s handing the ball off to one of a number of backs or keeping it himself.

The JHS defense, which is allowing an average of 32 points per game, will need one of its better performances of the season.

The Jemison offense, however, has had no problem scoring this year, averaging more than 35 points per game behind the trio of senior quarterback Scott Clements, junior running back Javae Swindle and junior wide receiver Eddie Hubbard—who have combined to account for more than 4,000 yards of total offense and 54 touchdowns.

Abbott wanted to remind fans that playoff football games are Alabama High School Athletic Association events, meaning ticket prices and seating policies are set by the state.

So, fans that enjoyed reserved seating during the season will not have a right to any particular seat on Friday.