Nobody is sure how far Ellwood Christian’s playoff run will go, but it is clear that the Eagles have already accomplished quite a bit.

With the Eagles win Friday night over J.U. Blacksher, the school picked up its first ever football playoff victory and will host its first football playoff game next week against Billingsley.

It’s a far cry from where the program was last season, when the Eagles started strong before losing their last seven games to miss the playoffs.

Ellwood appeared to be going down that path this season after four straight losses, but two victories in their final three games has put those thoughts to rest.

It sets up what should be a fantastic sports week in Selma. It’s not often that football season truly bleeds over into basketball season in the Queen City, but it will be the case this year.

Friday night will be a rare sight, as Ellwood hosts a football playoff game, Selma and Keith battle in Orrville for bragging rights in basketball, and Southside opens up its basketball season with Wilcox Central, who made the 4A final four last season. Albeit on the road, defending 4A state basketball champions Dallas County will also open up its basketball season against Stanhope Elmore Friday.

Hornets alumnus William Lee, who won the Mr. Basketball award last season, could make his debut Saturday for UAB in the Blazers’ season opener, although a knee injury reported by other media sources looks like it may keep him sidelined.

My hope is none of these fantastic events get overlooked this week with the eyes of the nation’s sports world sure to be on our state.

With top-ranked Mississippi State travelling to Tuscaloosa for a top-5 showdown, there will be plenty of talk about the Bulldogs and Crimson Tide this week.

The other biggest game of the week nationally is arguably Auburn at Georgia, which looks to be the only other top-20 showdown on the schedule.

I’ll be at the Alabama game, but first I plan to enjoy what should be a fantastic night of action here in Selma.

I encourage everyone to take time to support our local athletes — football and basketball — Friday night in Selma.