The West Elk Patriots have won five consecutive games, and are taking serious momentum into the postseason.

 

West Elk is the top seed in the district, and welcome the Burlingame Bearcats to Howard on Thursday night.

 

Patriots coach Chris Haag says although his team is playing well, Burlingame is no easy opponent.

 

The Bearcats are 5-3 on the season, and have had numerous stretches of high-level football in 2023. Haag says the two teams have a lot of similarities.

 

With the playoffs beginning, teams will need to tame nerves and the mental pressure that comes with it. Haag says his team just needs to take care of themselves.

 

The winner of this game will face the winner of Oxford and Little River in the second round.