After capturing their first playoff win since 1997, the Battlin’ Bear Football team is looking to dominate the Crandall Pirates at 7 p.m. this Friday, Nov. 22 in Nacogdoches. This season has been historic for the Bears and after defeating the Stafford Spartans (48-21) in the Bi-District round, their ambition is higher than ever.

“We wanted to win the district championship first,” head coach Randy Crouch said. “When that was not there, we wanted to get into the playoffs and go as far as we can go.”

The Pirates defeated Kilgore, 14-0, last Friday and boasted a strong season record.

“They are a well-balanced team that executes fundamentally well,” defensive coordininator Cory Parsons said of the Pirates. “As with all teams, there are weaknesses to exploit.”

According to Parsons, the Bears have continued their regular practice routine to prepare for Friday night’s big game.

“We work to perfect techniques and fundamentals,” Parsons said. “We also prepare for our opponent’s tendencies.”

This has been the first Bi-District win for Crouch as an LCM Bear and he is hoping to advance even further in the playoffs.

“We have good people on this team,” Crouch said. “They work hard and they try to do what is right. “[It has] been a real joy to coach them.”