For the second time in a week, third time this season and fifth in the last two years, Salmen and Pearl River go against each other, but now, the stakes are much higher. Tonight, the squads face off at Salmen in the bi-district round of the state playoffs.

“We’re pretty familiar with each other,” Pearl River coach Joe Harris said.

This is the third different stadium the two have met in 2009. They played in the Slidell Jamboree with the Spartans winning 49-17. Last week’s game was at PRHS and Salmen captured a 41-7 victory.

Pearl River’s James Gillum (21) looks to gain yardage, running behind his offensive linemen during last Friday’s District 9-4A game against Salmen. (File Photos by Shannon Diecidue)

Salmen finished with a 7-2 overall record in the regular season and 3-1 in league play to finish second to undefeated Franklinton (10-0, 4-0).

Both of the Spartans’ losses were in overtime.

Pearl River tallied a 5-5-overall mark and 1-3 in district.

Both teams made the playoffs last season and lost to Archbishop Shaw. Salmen fell to the Eagles 14-10 in the semifinals, while Pearl River lost 40-20 in the bi-district round of the postseason. Shaw is now a Class 5A school.

Salmen coach Jerry Leonard said knowing the other team helps from a preparation standpoint.

“From a game-plan perspective, it helps, but it’s unfortunate we’re going against a team in our district. We want our district to do well, but the draw came out the way it did and we’ll deal with it,” Leonard said.

The winner of tonight’s contest plays the victor of No. 12 East Jefferson, also a District 9-4A member, and 21st seeded Breaux Bridge.

Salmen runs a spread offense with quarterback Matt Lipham calling signals.

Last week, the junior connected on 14-of-26 for 226 yards and a 10-yard touchdown toss to Jamal Robinson. Lipham also ran one in from 10-yards out.

The running backs are Joshua Adams, Errol Scott and Jordan Stevenson.

Last week, Adams had a pair of touchdowns. He ran them in from five and two yards respectively.

Scott had a one-yard run for Salmen.

The wide receivers are Robinson, George Williams and James Foucha.

Last Friday, Robinson set up the first score with a 36-yard reception, while Williams returned a punt 57 yards to help on another score. Defensively, the Spartans run a 3-3. Senior Joe Jackson enters tonight with an interception in the last three games.

Leonard talked about Jackson.

“Joe’s quiet, works hard, goes out and does his job,” Leonard said. “He’s even tempered and loves to compete.” The unit held PRHS’ wing-T offense to just 113-rushing yards.

For the Rebels, Harris talked about the key to winning.

“We need no penalties and no turnovers,” Harris said. “We want to keep their offense off the field by controlling the ball and the clock.”

PRHS’ offense is led by running back James Gillum. Last week, the senior running back ran for 61 yards before leaving with an injury early in the second half. He did not return.

Harris said Gillum will start tonight. The quarterback is senior Doug Conravey. Last week, he threw for 80 yards and a 16-yard touchdown toss to Craig Domingue.

Defensively, Pearl River runs the odd stack.

Last week, the unit kept the Rebels in the game throughout the first half. They allowed just 14 points to a potent Spartans’ offense.