The MHSAA football  playoffs for Class 4A begin today at 7 p.m. in locations around the state.

The one that matters most locally is Lawrence County’s game at Quitman (5-6).

Coach Jaymie Palmer is grateful his Cougars (4-7) have gotten this far, and that – as far as records go – this head-to-head against Quitman is on level ground.

“Everybody’s 0-0 now,” Palmer said. “So we’re going to load up and see what we can do.”

Though last week’s matchup against Florence didn’t result in a W for Lawrence County, Palmer is still proud of his group. “We played well and hard,” he said, “but the quarterback situation just hurt us.”

Earlier this week, Palmer was hopeful injured quarterback Charl’tez Nunnery will be back with them.

Regardless, his team is ready. They don’t allow their emotions to get them down, or too hyped up.

“They’re kind of blue collar,” Palmer said. “They show up and work hard every day.”

The key for the Cougars will be consistency in keeping the Panthers from putting points on the scoreboard. “We’re really good on defense,” said Palmer. “We don’t give up many points.”

The winner of this first-round game will face off on Veterans Day against the winner of Poplarville vs. Pass Christian. The Cougars hope they get that opportunity.