Hazlehurst (11-0, 5-0),  coached by Todd McDaniel, took care of business Thursday night as it blanked the Crystal Springs Tigers 38-0 in the opening round of the Class 3A playoffs at Robert McDaniel Sr. Stadium.

This week, the Indians are sharpening their battle axes as they host the Forest Bearcats in the second round of the playoffs.

The Bearcats (9-2, 4-1), coached by Jonathan Worrell, captured a 24-13 win over Seminary last Thursday to advance to the second round of the playoffs.

Tre’Shun Alexander powered the Bearcats’ rushing attack with 101 yards on 21 carries against Seminary.

Senior quarterback K’hari Parker completed 6-of-10 passes for 73 yards and rushed for 24 yards on 12 carries.

Defensively, Stevens Means had a monstrous game for Forest as he led with 20 tackles. Tyrique Johnson and Tyrese Lofton contributed 12 tackles each. Howard Smith finished with nine tackles.

Vontae Spivey was the top receiver for the Bearcats with two catches for 33 yards. Howard Smith caught two passes for 32 yards.

Hazlehurst’s top offensive player last week against Crystal Springs was senior running back Anfernee Jordan with 110 rushing yards and a touchdown on seven carries. Damariun Wilson had eight rushes for 105 yards and a touchdown. Malik Gray finished with 94 yards rushing on six carries.

Senior quarterback Ladarrious Williams completed 2-of-5 passes for 67 yards and two touchdowns. He Also rushed for 56 yards on five carries and scored two touchdowns.

Jaquaveon Tillman caught a pass for 44 yards and Melvin Wiley caught the other pass for 23 yards.

Defensively, junior linebacker Patrick Harris powered the Indians with 12 tackles. Tim Steward contributed 10 tackles. Jacquavis Henley finished with eight tackles. Duquan Tillman, Billy Johnson and Lechris Hood had seven tackles each.

My prediction: Indians scalp Forest 40-21.