Morgan Academy is the only Dallas County school to make the state football playoffs.

The sixth-ranked Senators (9-2) host No. 10 Macon East in a first-round AISA playoff contest at 7 p.m.  on Friday

Morgan Academy coach Josh Thacker praised the Senators for their focus throughout the season to win big games.  Jeremy Lee transferred from Meadowview Christian School (MCS) and made a smooth transition as quarterback, complementing linebacker Mason Perkins and wide receiver Hardin Utsey.

“They worked so hard for everything, I’m proud of them,” Thacker said. “This team is dialed-in, focused and athletic.”

Thacker expects a tough contest from Macon-East (8-2). The Knights are led by their pass and combination with quarterback Tucker Neven and wide receiver Jackson Ceman. Running back Cephus Cleveland is another big-play threat.

“They’ve been a good football team the last couple of years,” Thacker said. “They fly to the ball. We’ll have our hands full. We’ll have to play smart and execute our game plan.”

Thacker admits things could easily go wrong in the first-round contest.

“There’s always concern,” Thacker said. “We want to come out and execute our game plan.”

Morgan Academy has spent most of the season ranked in the AISA Top 10 rankings and finished second in AISA Region 2.

Thacker credits the 2017 senior players for paving the way to the Senators having their best season since 2005. The Senators were 6-6 last year, but advanced to the AISA semifinals.

“Last year’s seniors put the work in,” Thacker said. “That allowed us to grow as a football team and a family.”