Jefferson looks to erase 30 years of playoff frustration

WARRENTON - The last time a Jefferson football team advanced past the second round of the state playoffs Jimmy Carter was president.

The year was 1977 and it also marked the last time the Dragons played for a state title losing to Lincoln County in the title game.

So if the Dragons are able to beat Warren County Friday night in the second round of the Class A playoffs are they headed for another trip to the finals?

Coach Bill Navas of course would not make any such prediction but did say his Dragons have a shot to advance against the Screaming Devils, whom they have seen four times in the past four seasons, five now if you include Friday's meeting.

"We have a lot of respect for them and it's a great atmosphere to play in," Navsas said. "But we have seen them a lot so it won't be something we're unfamiliar with. Both teams played really hard and I expect another good game."

Warren County has won the last three meetings with the Dragons, including taking a 40-28 win in the third game of the season this year, and is 2-0 in its last two home playoff games the past two seasons. Navas said that could play to their advantage.

"They may be a little overconfident knowing they have beaten us the last three times. We're a better team since then and hopefully we can do a few things different," he said. "The fact that we could not stop them (in the first game this season) is something we're concerned about. We'll have to do a better job on defense to beat them this time."

History, however, will not be on the Dragons side. Jefferson has never won a road playoff game in its history and is 0-8 on the road in the playoffs since the 2000 season. But the Dragons have won seven of their last eight games overall.

JEFFERSON DRAGONS at WARREN COUNTY SCREAMING DEVILS

Warren County: 9-2, No. 1 seed from Region 7-A; beat ELCA 42-29 in first round

Jefferson: 8-3, No. 2 seed from Region 8-A, beat Bowden 24-13 in first round

Last meeting: 2007, Warren County won 40-28 in third game of regular season (Warren County leads series 3-1)

NOTES: Jefferson has averaged 30 ppg for the season but defense is the key for the Dragons. In their eight wins they have allowed just 81 total points (10 ppg) holding seven opponents to 13 points or less. In their three losses they have allowed 84 points (28 ppg). It will not be easy as the Screaming Devils are averaging 37 ppg and have hit six times and 50 or more twice.