The Hearts will enter the game as heavy underdogs. They are 5-3 on the season and wrapped up a playoff bid with their 17-0 win last week over Breese Mater Dei.

“With our schedule, and starting 0-2, we were behind the 8-ball from the beginning,” the EHS coach said. “I’m proud of the way they’ve responded and I’m happy for them.

“Making the playoffs is more for the kids than me,” Hefner added. “I’ve had playoff experience. But I wanted these kids to experience it.”

The Hearts have gone 5-1 in their final six games, with the only blemish being the 39-36 overtime loss to Mt. Zion.

“This group has continually gotten better each game,” Hefner pointed out. “Making the playoffs is quite an accomplishment. There are no guarantees of making the postseason. So, to get that chance is certainly satisfying and rewarding.”

The IHSA will announce those pairings Saturday night.

“With our record, you figure we’ll probably face one of the top 3 seeds, which can be a daunting task,” Hefner said. “But you never know until Saturday night when the draw is done and the pairings are announced.”

But before the Hearts have to worry about a playoff opponent, they face a tough challenge Friday night.

The explosive Bulldogs are averaging 454 yards and 50 points a game – and that with a continuously running clock for portions of seven games.

They are led by senior quarterback, Brent Wuebbels, who is a dual threat. He has completed 73 percent of his passes, connecting on 97-of-133 attempts for 1,378 yards. He has thrown for 27 touchdowns and just three interceptions. He has also run for another 481 yards.

Highland is averaging 280 yards a game on the ground. Junior Travis Porter leads the way with 896 yards – an average of 128 per game. He is averaging 7.7 yards per carry and has 14 TDs.

Brode Lewis is Wuebbels’ main target. He has hauled in 31 receptions for 452 yards and five scores. Cade Altadonna has 23 catches for 379 yards and six touchdowns. Brenden Gelly is a target near the goal line. He only has 14 catches for 221 yards on the season, but seven of them have gone for TDs.

“They are very balanced offensively,” Hefner explained. “Their quarterback is a four-year starter that can run and throw. They have a lot of weapons and they’re big up front. There is no relaxing when they’re on offense.”

The Hearts will hope to use their ground attack to keep Highland’s potent offense off the field. After a slow start to the season, they are now averaging 302 yards a game, with 206 of them coming on the group. Sophomore Weldon Dunston has been the workhorse, running for 586 yards and 10 touchdowns. Quarterback Tanner Pontious has added 412 yards running the ball.

Pontious has made great strides at QB during the season. He is now completing 60 percent of his throws, connecting on 68-of-114 attempts for 767 yards. He has eight TDs and just two interceptions. Andrew Lotz is the leading receiver with 26 catches for 319 yards and two scores.

The Hearts will be going against a Highland defense that has recorded three shutouts in the last four games and allowed just 84 total points all season.

“They are very well-coached, disciplined and athletic,” Hefner said. “They get a lot of hats to the football.

“But we have nothing to lose,” Hefner added. “It will be a heckuva task over there on Senior Night. But it will also be a good challenge for us. We’re going to go over there and compete.”

Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.