Something special is going on at Niles with the varsity football program and it could all come to a head Friday night for homecoming.

The Vikings are on the verge of qualifying for the MHSAA playoffs for the first time since 2003.

Last week, Niles snapped an eight-game losing streak against St. Joseph and secured its first winning season in 11 years.

A victory over visiting Gull Lake for homecoming would improve the Vikings to 6-2 and give them an automatic qualifying berth for the postseason.

The Blue Devils are 3-4 heading into Friday night’s contest. Their victories have come against Benton Harbor (39-0) Kalamazoo Loy Norrix (28-7) and Kalamazoo Central (25-0).

Gull Lake lost to St. Joseph (34-12), Mattawan (56-14), Battle Creek Central (21-20) and Portage Central (49-14).

Against the four teams that defeated the Blue Devils, Niles is 4-1. Its only loss came against Portage Central (35-13).

Following the victory last Friday night against St. Joseph, Niles coach Antwon Jones said he sensed his team was ready to take that next step.

“You could feel it when we came out for warm-ups that something special was going to happen tonight,” he said. “This is a family and we believe in each other. I’m just proud of them.”

Jones also said that the win over St. Joseph validates all the hard work the team has put in, not only this year, but since he took over the program.

“It gets us past mediocrity and the feeling that we’re not suppose to beat the St. Josephs of the world. It lets people know that these Niles kids are special too.”

In last week’s loss to Battle Creek Central, Gull Lake rushed for 175 yards and threw for just 75 yards on 10 completions out of 18 attempts.

The Blue Devils gave up 158 yards on the ground to Battle Creek and 60 yards through the air.

Gull Lake’s Seth Eldridge had three touchdown passes, two of which went to Louis Remynse.

Eldridge was also the top rusher with 81 yards on 19 carries.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. There will be an extended halftime due to homecoming festivities.

 

Brandywine at New Buffalo

With a spot in the post season already secured, the Bobcats can begin focusing on getting ready for the playoffs.

Brandywine (6-1) will begin its preparation with games at New Buffalo and at home against River against River Valley.

The Bison have just two wins this season — Bronson (41-18) and River Valley (49-0).

In their losses to Cassopolis, Climax-Scotts, Bridgman, Centreville and White Pigeon, New Buffalo has allowed 47 or more points three times, while scoring less than 21 points in all but one of those contests.

Against the Bison’s opponents, Brandywine is 5-0.

New Buffalo’s John Paul Perez has completed 46-of-88 attempts for 593 yards and six touchdowns. He has thrown just four interceptions.

Perez has also rushed for a team-high 237 yards on 69 carries with four touchdowns.

Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m.

 

 Brandywine at New Buffalo

With a spot in the post season already secured, the Bobcats can begin focusing on getting ready for the playoffs.

Brandywine (6-1) will begin its preparation with games at New Buffalo and at home against River against River Valley.

The Bison have just two wins this season — Bronson (41-18) and River Valley (49-0).

In their losses to Cassopolis, Climax-Scotts, Bridgman, Centreville and White Pigeon, New Buffalo has allowed 47 or more points three times, while scoring less than 21 points in all but one of those contests.

Against the Bison’s opponents, Brandywine is 5-0.

New Buffalo’s John Paul Perez has completed 46-of-88 attempts for 593 yards and six touchdowns. He has thrown just four interceptions.

Perez has also rushed for a team-high 237 yards on 69 carries with four touchdowns.

Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m.