If there was ever an opportunity for the Billingsley Bears to make a statement about their ability to contend in the Class 1A playoffs, it would be now.

The Bears (8-3) will be hosting perennial powerhouse Brantley (11-0) at Mims Field on Nov. 16, looking to knock off one of the top teams in Class 1A. Admittedly, it’s a tough task, but one that Bears’ coach Tyson McLean feels his team is ready for.

“We know they’re a good football team,” he said. “They run a lot of different sets.”

The Bulldog offense comes into the game averaging 53.8 points per game, and their defense has posted four straight shutouts. That said, McLean said he has confidence in his team.

“We’ve got to play sound football,” he said. “We have to have everybody do their job every play.”

The Bears are no slouches in their own right; their three losses have come at the hands of Keith, Maplesville and Prattville Christian; the first two were both ranked teams in Class 1A and the latter in a higher classification.

Despite facing a high-powered offense that can light up a scoreboard, there is one advantage the Bears do have going in: playing at home. While it may not seem like that much, playing in familiar settings can sometimes make the difference in a win or a loss.

“I hope [it helps] a lot,” said McLean. “Not having to travel, getting a bigger crowd [in your favor]. I’ll put it this way; I don’t know how much it helps, but I know it doesn’t hurt.”

McLean said he felt the difference in the game would come from ball control.

“I think you always have to look at turnovers,” he said. “We have to limit big plays, make them drive, and get turnovers of our own.”