Dallas County wants momentum heading into next week’s Class 4A state football playoffs.

The Hornets (3-6) make the short trip to Memorial Stadium for a showdown against Ellwood Christian Academy on Thursday night.

ECA will be celebrating homecoming as well as Senior Night at halftime.

“I feel like if we can come out and play our game, we will be successful,” Hornets coach Heath LeVert said. “We have to limit the big plays on defense and execute on offense.”

ECA coach Ray Blanks expects an inspired group of Eagles for the school’s halloween contest.

“I think it’ll be a pretty competitive game,” Blanks said. “The seniors will play harder because it’s their last game.”

A.L. Johnson at Southside: The Panthers (4-5) close their season under first-year head coach Charles Moody on Halloween.

Southside went from winless to having a chance at finishing .500 on Senior Night in one season.

“We just want to finish the year with a win, and send the seniors out on a high note,” Moody said. “We have done a lot of things this season to build on for the future and this is another opportunity to continue to build.”

LeFlore at Selma High: The Saints (6-4) will be going against their former head coach, Christopher Raymond on Senior Night at Memorial Stadium.

Selma coach Willie Gandy is focused on preparing the team for the 6A state playoffs.

“It’s important that we close out the season with a win,” Gandy said. “Last senior night for our seniors and it will be good heading into the playoffs with a win.”

Raymond said he’s looking forward to the contest. The Rattlers have won only one game this season.

“I’m excited to keep building and see some of the former players,” Raymond said. “I’m proud of the former players and seeing them develop and I’m proud of what they accomplished. I knew they had it in them.”

R.C. Hatch at Keith: The Bears (4-5) will be celebrating Homecoming at J.V. Caldwell Stadium in Orrville.

Keith High has clinched a Class 1A state playoff berth, but Bears coach Anthony Lumpkin wants positive energy heading into the postseason.

“We won’t ease up, but we’re not going to overdo it,” Lumpkin said. “R.C. Hatch is a team that can not be underestimated. We want to get this win for momentum going into the state playoffs. We want to finish the regular season strong.”

Morgan Academy at Cornerstone Christian: The Senators (3-7) close the regular season against the AISA playoff-bound Chargers.

CCA goes for its second straight win over a Dallas County team, beating Meadowview Christian School 34-14 to clinch a playoff berth last week.

“Cornerstone is one of the few schools we’re not familiar with nor do we have many common opponents,” Senators coach Josh Thacker said. “On film, they’re disciplined and play hard. We hope to finish the season on a strong note to give our seniors a deserving send off. They’ve battled through a ton of adversity this season, we want them to know how appreciated they are.”

Meadowbrook Christian School at Crenshaw Christian: The Trojans (0-8) want to avoid a second straight winless season in their return to AISA, but it won’t be easy against No. 2 Crenshaw Christian (9-0).

“They are a good football team,” MCS coach Bob Taylor said. “They are comparable to Chambers. They play great defense and a good on offense. Just solid in all phases of the game.”