One of the goals of the Billingsley football team to start the season was to flip its losing record from last year.

With last week’s 34-0 win over Verbena, BHS finished 7-4, compared to a 4-7 mark in 2010.

The next goal, coach Tyson McLean said, was to advance in the Class 2A state playoffs.

The Bears will have that opportunity at 7 p.m. Friday when they travel to Flomaton.

“The attitude of the guys has been the difference,” McLean said. “They come out and they work. There’s no complaining or anything like that. They’ve just had good attitudes this year.”

Billingsley has improved as the year has progressed as the players have learned what McLean expects of them.

“Our guys have been through so many coaches that each year they have to learn how to do it with a new guy, and I think that’s been one of the struggles around here,” he said. “I think they’ve bought into what we’re doing, and they’re having a good time doing it.”

The Bears will try to keep their successful season going against a team that has lost only one game all year, a 14-13 setback at Leroy on Oct. 7.

The Hurricanes employ an option attack, with quarterback Ryheem Dixon handing off to 250-pound fullback Dustin Postlewait up the middle or using his speed to get to the outside.

“We’re going to have to play disciplined, assignment-type football this week,” McLean said. “It’s going to be a challenge for our guys.

“We’ve talked about how we’re going to take it one game at a time from here. Everybody starts over now. Everybody’s record is 0-0.”

—

Who will win?

Billingsley has put together a nice season under first-year coach Tyson McLean, but Flomaton has been almost unbeatable. Add in the fact that the Bears are making a 150-mile trip, and Friday’s game is going to be a considerable challenge. Pick: Flomaton