The Lincoln Golden Bears host the Anniston Bulldogs in a pivotal region match for homecoming. According to interim head coach Chad Martin this week has been business as usual for his team.

“The kids know what’s at stake,” Martin said. “For us it is business as usual. This is not a game that you pick for homecoming, but with the test schedule you have very few games to choose from for homecoming. This is not a team that you pick because you think that you can get a victory.”

The Golden Bears will be fighting for their playoff lives against the Bulldogs. With a win tonight the Golden Bears will secure a playoff berth with the possibility of hosting a first round playoff game. ‘

“It is a huge game,” Martin said. “If we win this game we will be in the playoffs with the possibility of hosting a playoff game.

“Winning against a good team like Anniston will give the team confidence.”

The Bulldogs enter tonight’s matchup looking to get revenge on Lincoln. Last season the Golden Bears dominated the Bulldogs 37-0. Martin believes that this Anniston team is going to be one of the toughest games of their season.

“They are a good ballclub, Martin said. “Outside of Handley they are the best team that we have played. They have a lot of talented skills.

“Their offensive and defensive front line gets overlooked because of their skill players, but they are very good.

“Defensively they get to the football, they do their assignments and when they find the ball they have 11 hats getting to the ball.”

Lincoln comes into tonight’s game with a healthy DJ Howard.

In their 37-0 victory over region foe Central-Coosa Howard rushed for 147 yards. Ra’keem Truss also had a solid performance as he rushed for 98 yards. Martin believes that the running attack has to be effective if they are going to defeat Anniston.

“We have to establish the run and win the line of scrimmage,” Martin said. ”Our bread and butter is our running game. We have to make sure guys block who they are supposed to block because if they don’t the person they didn’t block will make the play.”

Martin believes if they can contain Anniston’s offense and his offensive line can give their backs running room they have a good chance of clinching a playoff spot.

“We have to contain them offensively and sustain our blocks on offense to give our backs a chance to make some plays,” Martin said.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. from Keith Howard Memorial Stadium.