The 9-man first-round playoff game features a matchup that was originally set for the first week of the season but had to be cancelled because of the death of a Divide County student.
The Maroons (5-2) are the No. 3 seed in 9-man Region 5, and TGU (5-2) is the third-place team out of Region 4. Divide County was granted the home game because when like seeds play each other, odd-numbered regions host in odd-numbered years.
"You know, whenever it gets to be playoffs, it's a do or die situation, it's win or go home, the intensity has to be ratcheted up a little bit," said Divide County coach Nate Nelson.
While most teams take the playoffs on short rest, both teams in this matchup have had a little more time off. Divide County played last Tuesday night, when they lost a chance to win the region championship at Parshall, and TGU had a bye the final week of the regular season. "It is nice to have a little bit of time off to get little injuries healed up," Nelson said. "I think every team in the state by now has some injuries, so having a little time to get healthy helps."
Divide County has been led by their offense this season, putting up big points with quarterback Tanner Wolter, wide receiver Dalyss Hanson, and running backs Jace Stenson and Zach Wagenknecht.
TGU focuses its offense around junior quarterback Tyler Thorson.
"They have a really good quarterback, Thorson," said Nelson said. "He's the coach's son, and he's very, very athletic. He can hurt you with his arm as well his legs. Their whole offense runs through him."
The winner of this game would travel to the state's top-ranked team, Mott-Regent, on Saturday.
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