After capping off an incredible 9-1 season with a win against Middlesex, the Mathews High School varsity football team has set its sights on the Eastern Section Division 1 playoffs.

"I am very proud of our team and coaching staff to earn a 9-1 record," Blue Devil head coach Paul White said. "Five and possibly six teams on our schedule will make the playoffs, so it has not been easy but certainly gratifying to watch the boys dig in and play hard. Now it is on to the playoffs and our goal is to end up in (the state championship game at) Salem."

Mathews will host Surry at 7 p.m. Friday. As the #2 seed, the Blue Devils are assured of at least two more home games in the postseason, if they are fortunate enough to advance.

The Devils capped the regular season last Thursday, crushing the Chargers, 51-12, in Saluda.

"The Mathews-Middlesex rivalry is heated and the first half of the game is a direct indication," White said. "We preached to our team not to take them lightly. Even though Middlesex has had a tough year, they will play us ’til the final seconds run off the clock."

Mathews only scored twice in the first half, with Chris Davis providing both touchdowns on runs of 4 and 42 yards. Placekicker Tyler Tillman chipped in both PAT attempts (he was a perfect five-for-five for the night).

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