Northlake Christian School (6-3, 2-2) squares off with the Springfield Bulldogs (6-3, 3-1) on the road tonight in a game, which has major playoff implications for the Wolverines.

NCS came up short last week at home being blanked 10-0 by two-time defending district champion St. Thomas Aquinas, which has earned at least a share for the district title this season. Springfield, which suffered its only district loss 22-20 in OT to the Falcons, cruised past Pine 40-8 last week.

NCS coach Tony Agresta’s said his Wolverines know they will be in a battle going against a solid Springfield team, which will be fighting for a home playoff game. Agresta said his team is focused to take care of business to hopefully clinch a playoff berth in their first year of competing in Class 2A after moving up in classification this year.

“If we win we make the playoffs, but if we don’t we are on the bubble and just have to wait and see what happens. If we take care of our own business by winning then we don’t have to worry about any of that,” Agresta said.

“We feel good about some of the things we have accomplished to this point, however the team’s goal is to make it into the playoffs and advance,” Agresta added.

Agresta said his Wolverines pride themselves in their running game.

“It is no secret that we try to run the football. Timmy Broussard has been as healthy as he has been all season long following his ankle sprain in the initial district game against St. Helena Central,” Agresta said.

NCS sophomore quarterback Timmy Broussard and junior running back Derek Williams, who is approaching 1,000 yards rushing with 12 TDs have provided the Wolverines with an explosive duo. The pair will be counted on to come through tonight. Williams is also a starter in the Wolverines’ secondary.

Agresta talked about Springfield’s senior quarterback Kevin Henderson.

“He is really talented and they have a good group of receivers. They have a tall set of receivers and they do a real good job of getting the ball to them anyway they can. They like to pass first, run second, but by no means can you ignore their running game,” said the first-year head coach.

Springfield runs a spread offense triggered by Henderson and junior running back Jamar “Marty” Jones (No. 6) is the Bulldogs’ leading rusher. Senior running back Justin Gray will also get some touches when the Bulldogs go to a two back set.

Senior Ben McKigney is the Bulldogs’ top receiver and senior Antonio Patrick is also a key member of the Springfield receiving corps.

Senior center James LeJuene anchors the line along with senior right offensive tackle Kyle Fickes.

Springfield runs a multiple front defense led by senior middle linebacker Kolandre Richardson. Senior defensive end Jesse Jubin and senior linebacker/end Chad Bryson are also key members of the Bulldogs’ defense.

Springfield head coach Ryan Serpas is in his second year with the Bulldogs.

Serpas described Northlake Christian as a very scrappy and very well coached football team.

“They are very disciplined and like to get their quarterback (Broussard) involved.

They believe they have to beat us to make it into the playoffs. I expect them to come out fighting and expect us to play really hard. To get a home playoff game we need a victory,” Serpas said.

“We will have to execute on defense to contain their quarterback. He gets things going for them and they rely on their running game quite a bit. We will also have to pay attention to No. 9 (Williams),” Serpas added.

Serpas said defensively, the Wolverines know their assignments.

“They get really good linebacker play from 45 (Burst) and 55 (Clark).”