FRANKLIN—Franklin High School Football Coach Darren Parker is preparing his top-seeded Broncos for a tough Friday night home playoff game against Colonial Beach.

“Bottom line is they’re in the playoffs, and to be in the playoffs means they are of playoff caliber,” Parker said. “Records don’t mean anything. If you win, you play next week. If you lose, you’re home for a year.”

The Drifters, whose 6-4 season gave them a third-place finish in the Northern Neck District, hope to avenge their 16-14 loss against Franklin for the Region A title in 2008. Franklin went on to win the state title.

Drifters Coach Jeremy Jack expects to face an aggressive Franklin team, which finished the season 9-1, winning the Tri-Rivers District title.

“They run the ball well,” said Jack, who has been at the helm for nine years. “We’ll be preparing all week to run the ball well.”

He expects the game to be a ground battle.

“We try to run the ball 40 to 50 times,” Jack said. “Fans should see a rushing match between the two teams.”

Colonial Beach finished its season with losses to Lancaster and Washington and Lee. The Broncos closed their season with a12-6 win over previously undefeated Sussex Central and a 44-27 victory over Windsor. Franklin’s only loss was 44-41 to Charles City.

Both coaches say they have a roster full of healthy players.

“We’re having a great week of practices, and they are very excited,” Parker said. “We have been blessed to be one of the teams still playing.”

In other action, Tri-Rivers District’s Charles City (6-4) will take on Sussex Central (7-3) on Friday in Sussex. Charles City three weeks ago lost 42-0 to Sussex Central.

Kickoff for the Franklin-Colonial Beach game is 7 p.m.