Central vs. West Monroe

The Central Wildcats have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Despite a 4-6 record, they have made to the State 5A Football Playoffs and drawn as their opponent, mighty West Monroe.

It’s a game that pits the No. 1-seeded team in the state, West Monroe (10-0), against the No. 32 seed, Central, at 7 p.m. Friday in West Monroe. (Broadcast live by Central City News on Facebook, hosted by Woody Jenkins.)

It’s a spot that gives the Wildcats the chance to turn their season around on one Friday night and be in the hunt for the State Title.

It’s a familiar position for Central head coach Sid Edwards, because he’s been in exactly this position before, not once but twice. In 2011, Central was seeded No. 32 and drew undefeated No. 1 St. Paul’s of Covington in the first round. The Wildcats shocked the state by beating St. Paul’s 35-28.

Then in 2013, Central met No. 1 ranked West Monroe in the state playoffs and beat the Rebels handily 14-0 on the Rebels’ own field in West Monroe. It was the first time West Monroe had lost a playoff game at home in decades.

Earlier this year, Central High baseball team finished third in District 4-5A but made to the playoffs. They were the Cinderella team and soon faced West Monroe in the State Finals. West Monroe was ranked No. 1 in the state but also No. 1 in the nation. That didn’t stop Central, which defeated West Monroe 4-2 for the State Championship.

Watch live on Central City News on Facebook at 7 p.m. Friday.