A week after a big homecoming win, the McKenzie Tigers will get a break from region play when J.U. Blacksher comes to town.

The Bulldogs have already made one trip to Butler County this year – a 22-7 loss to Butler County Magnet School on Sept. 4.

Blacksher comes in with a 2-2 record, losing to BCMS and McIntosh while pulling off wins over Coffeeville and Fruitdale.

“They’re a very physical team, and this will be our toughest test of the year so far,” said McKenzie head coach Miles Brown. “They look good on film, and they’re a very good 2-2 team.”

Like Excel, who the Tigers played earlier in the season, Blacksher profited from the closing of Frisco City.

“They picked up an extremely quick running back, and we’ve got to be prepared to stop him,” Brown said. “One of their strengths is running him outside.”

Over the past several weeks, the Tigers have been dealing with injuries and sickness, but things are starting to look up.

Calvin Henderson has been fighting an ankle injury, and while he hasn’t returned to quarterback, he did catch a touchdown pass against Pleasant Home last Friday night.

McKenzie also had a run of the flu.

“So far, we’re doing well on the flu situation,” Brown said.

Kickoff for the Blacksher game is set for 7 p.m. Friday night in McKenzie.