For the eighth time in five years, the Loudon Redskins (10-2) will face off against the Alcoa Tornadoes (12-0).  For the third time in the past five years, the teams will meet in the third round of the Tennessee Secondary Schools Athletic Association (TSSAA) playoffs.

The Redskins are currently 0-7 in those five years against Alcoa.
However, the closest game the two teams have played in that series came earlier this season when the Redskins fell at home 21-0. 

Loudon even had a chance for a lead in the second quarter on a blocked field goal returned for a touchdown, but a block in the back nullified the score.

Now, the Redskins will face a team that has dispatched everyone in its way for the past 25 straight games and has not won by less than 14 points during that streak.

The Tornadoes have thrived on the ground this season, piling up 3,362 total rushing yards and have held opponents to 270 total rushing yards.
Their opponents have outgained them through the air, though, as the Tornadoes have thrown for just 599 yards, while their opponents have throw for 816.

If any team can match up with Alcoa in the trenches, though, it's Loudon.  The Redskins have piled up 2,732 yards on the ground this year and have held opponents to 829 yards rushing on the year.
That averages out to 6.6 yards per carry for Loudon running backs and 2.9 yards per carry for opponents.

Turnovers have been to the advantage of Alcoa, however, as Loudon has turned the ball over 13 times this year, while the Tornadoes have given it away only seven times.
In their one meeting this season, the Redskins gained 130 yards rushing, while Alcoa rushed for 258 yards.

The Loudon coaches and players will have to watch out for Alcoa tailbacks Jaron Toney (#15) and Taharin Tyson (#2).  Toney has rushed for 1,630 yards and 35 touchdowns this year, while Tyson has gained 605 yards on the ground.

Alcoa quarterback Austin Tallant (#16) has completed just 56 percent of his passes this year, but he's also thrown eight touchdowns to just one interception.
His favorite target this year has been Steven Isom (#4), who has caught 11 passes for 274 yards and three touchdowns.

Wideout Tyler Robinson (#89) has also caught 10 throws for 165 yards and three touchdowns.
The Tornadoes have averaged 39 points per game this season and allowed an average of eight points per game.  Their playoff numbers haven't been drastically different, as they've scored 75 points in two games and allowed 17.

The Redskins have had a fair amount of postseason success themselves this year, though, as they've scored 66 points in the postseason and allowed 28.  With a win, the Redskins would be just one win away from taking part in the Class 3A state championship game in Cookeville.

They'll have to get past Alcoa first, though.  Game time is set for 7 p.m. Friday night in Alcoa.