The Buchanan Bucks are back in the playoffs for the first time since 2012.

The Bucks (9-0) will host Hillsdale (6-3) at 7 p.m. Friday night.

For the Hornets, it is their 15th consecutive trip to the post season and have won their playoff opener each of the last three seasons.

Buchanan steamrolled into the post season with a 63-20 victory over arch rival Brandywine Friday night to cap its first undefeated season since 1988.

Ironically, Buchanan’s current head coach Reid McBeth was a member of the 1988 team.

McBeth and the Bucks are not concerned with the past, but making some history of their own when they take on Hillsdale at Memorial Field.

McBeth said the goal for Buchanan is to be 1-0 each with. And with a potential district championship game against Berrien Springs the following week, the Bucks will need to maintain that focus this week against Hillsdale.

“We are just worried about that first one,” McBeth said following the Brandywine victory Friday night. “We have been preaching all year about being 1-0. We are excited to have a home game for sure. Our community is going to be excited, our coaching staff and our kids have worked really hard to get where we are at. So when we get to play at home for that first game we don’t care who it will be. It is going to be a fun atmosphere and our kids are excited about being there. It has been a while since we have been in the playoffs.”

McBeth is not fooled by the Hornet’s 6-3 mark. Hilldale’s losses have come against three playoff teams — Portland (6-0), Olivet (6-3) and Brooklyn Columbia Central (8-1).

Olivet will face Berrien Springs (8-1) Friday night with the winner advancing to the Division 5, Region 3, District 1 championship game.

The Shamrocks lone loss was a 21-19 decision to Buchanan Week 8.

Tickets for Friday night’s game are $5 per person and no passes will be accepted per MHSAA rules.

Presales tickets will be available beginning Thursday. Gates will open at 6:15 p.m. Friday.