The Loyd Star Hornets are heading to the playoffs after a big win against the West Lincoln Bears Friday.

The Hornets dominated the field throughout the Region 7-2A game, taking a 56-14 win at home. The teams were fighting for the final playoff spot in Region 7-2A.

“I’m proud that my kids stepped up like they needed to and we’re able to get into the playoffs,” Loyd Star head coach Adam Cook said.

In the playoffs, the Hornets (4-7, 2-3) will face the North Forrest Eagles Friday.

“I haven’t seen film on them yet,” Cook said. “I’m excited we’ve got another week to play and another chance to prepare and play a good opponent.”

Cook said it will be a challenge, but he’s confident his team will go into the game with the right attitude.

For the Bears, it’s been a tough season, something that head coach Charlie Jackson attributes to their relative inexperience. The Bears finished 2-8 overall and 1-4 in region play.

“We had some young guys playing,” Jackson said. “We’ve still got issues with blocking and protecting our quarterback. They’re going to keep getting better.”

Jackson said his team is going to have a few days off, and then they’re going to get right back to work on building up the team’s strength and speed.

“It’s a growing process,” he said. “It’s something you’ve got to continue to work on and build. People need to be patient and know what we’re doing.”

Loyd Star racked up 538 total yards in the win. Most of that came on the ground.

The team rushed a total of 33 times for 387 yards. Parker Flowers led the team with 95 yards on six rushes. He scored one TD on the ground. Konner Allen was close behind with 90 yards on three rushes and one score.

Flowers was 4-of-7 passing for 87 yards and two TDs. James Beard caught two passes for 45 yards and two TDs. Allen caught two passes for 42 yards.

Patrick Price returned an interception for 45 yards and a score. Clayton Brown was 8-for-8 on PAT kicks.

Loyd Star jumped out to an early lead, picking up 21 points in the first. They did the same in the second and led 42-8 at the half. They added 14 more in the third and West Lincoln added six in the final frame.