Fyffe, Plainview enter playoffs in 1st-place tie

Fyffe and Plainview will try to maintain their respective shares of a first-place tie among DeKalb County high school football teams when the 2013 state playoffs open Friday night.

The Red Devils and Bears have reached the second round of the postseason 17 times apiece, which is best in county history. Crossville, which didn’t qualify this fall, is the only other DeKalb program with double digit appearances, having reached Round 2 on 11 occasions.

Valley Head has reached the second round eight times, while Collinsville and Fort Payne have done it seven apiece. Sylvania and Ider have both been there six times, while Geraldine has gone twice.

Collinsville was the last local team to pick up a Round 2 win, having defeated Lynn 24-22 in 2011.

The Panthers (7-3) are one of six DeKalb squad that reached the 2013 postseason and will travel to Hubbertville (8-2) to for a first-round matchup in Class 1A. All of this week’s games are set for Friday night at 7.

Also in 1A, Valley Head (9-1) will play host to Brilliant (6-4).

In 2A, Fyffe (9-1) will play host to Isabella (7-3), while Geraldine (8-2) will welcome Lauderdale County (8-2) to town in 3A. Plainview (7-3) will travel to Colbert County (9-1) in a another 3A showdown.

Fort Payne (6-4) will make the trip to McAdory (8-2) in 5A.

Fyffe and Valley Head were both seeded No. 1 for the playoffs after winning region championships. Geraldine is a No. 2 seed, while Plainview and Collinsville area both 3s. Fort Payne is a No. 4 seed.