As running back Chris Sutton punches in the game-winning score against Kilgore, the lights go dark after nearly four hours of highly contested football. On the home side, there is stunned silence. On the away side, screams of joy fill the air. As the alma mater plays on, fans can only hope that this is a sign of things to come.

The Texas High Tigers, fresh off of an exciting 44-41 double overtime victory against the Kilgore Bulldogs, hope to build off this performance as they begin district play in 16-5A Friday night against the Marshall Mavericks.

Texas High versus Marshall has always made for exciting contests over the years. Last year, the Tigers overcame an early 18-point deficit to come out on top en route to an undefeated regular season. This time around, the stakes are just as high with each team looking to gain a season-changing victory.

While their most recent win has the team riding high, the Tigers are determined to not get ahead of themselves. Head coach Gerry Stanford wants the team to stay focused as district play approaches.

“[The win against Kilgore] was definitely a confidence booster for us,” Stanford said. “It was nice to see our hard work pay off, but we still have to see what we can get better at, watch film and look at what we have to do to be successful against Marshall.”

The Tigers (2-2) have rebounded nicely from a rough start to the season. After scoring a mere seven points against Bishop Lynch and Arkansas High, a more versatile offensive scheme that mobilizes quarterback Coltin Clack has opened up more space for him to operate in. Wide receiver Tevailance Hunt, who has six touchdowns in the last two games, has also thrived when put behind center in the Wildcat formation.

“We want to continue to get better as the season goes on,” Stanford said. “Whether it’s offense, defense or special teams, we are always looking for ways to improve.”

Marshall (0-3) is also looking to start of district play in the win column on the road. The Mavericks have experienced tough defeats against 6A powerhouses Tyler Lee and Longview, and lost a nail-biter against Corsicana last Friday night, 29-27.

“We’ve played each of these games to the final whistle,” Marshall head coach Claude Mathis said. “Our players still remain confident and continue to give maximum effort as we move forward into district play.”

Heading into the game, Mathis has made sure that his team focuses on preparing for the contest rather than worrying about the opposition.

“[Texas High] seemed to have an exciting game last Friday, but we’re more focused on our schemes and our game plan,” Mathis said. “They seem ready to start district play on Friday night. It should make for an exciting game.”

The Tigers and Mavericks are used to dominating their division, which only brings more hype for the contest at Tiger Stadium on Friday night.

“Marshall will definitely be a tough test for our guys,” Stanford said. “They’re an extremely talented team, so hopefully we can improve on what we need to do to be successful.”

The game will be played Tiger Stadium with kickoff scheduled for 7:30.