Two area teams are ready to battle it out for a trip to the Class ‘A’ state football tournament under the Friday night lights.

No. 1 seeded Blooming Prairie (9-1 overall) will host No. 3 seeded Southland (8-2 overall) Friday at 7 p.m. and the winner moves on to the state quarterfinals at Macalaster College Nov. 11 at 7 p.m.

For the Rebels, its the first time they’ve played in a section title game in 20 years.

“It’s easy for the kids to lose focus and we can’t do that,” Southland head coach Shawn Kennedy said. “We’ve looked at it as business as usual this week in practice to keep them grounded. We haven’t proven anything yet and we have to step up and play a phenomenal game against a phenomenal team.”

The Awesome Blossoms have played in the last four Section 1A title games, although they’ve won just once, when they made it all the way to the semifinals in 2009.

“Everyone of these kids have been in this game,” BP head coach Chad Gimbel said. “Routine is huge for them and it’s a huge plus (to have it at home).”

The Awesome Blossoms have scored at least 30 points in eight of their nine games and they’ve forced two shutouts. The Rebels have posted at least 30 points in six of their nine games and they’ve forced one shutout.

BP is still working starting quarterback Luc Zellmer back into the lineup as he came back from an injury after just two days of practice to play in the Goodhue game. Since that time, he’s shown some solid progress.

“He was working his way back into it (against Goodhue) and he’s getting back to 100 percent,” Gimbel said.

The Rebels know all about BP’s passing attack and they will be looking to limit it.

“We have to try and pressure the quarterback and our defensive backs have to mess up their timing and not cover air,” Kennedy said.

Southland will look to move the ball on ground and BP will have to clog up the rushing lanes.

“It’s a lot about alignment and technique, just like any other team,” Gimbel said.

Both coaches have a mutual respect for each other’s team and they’re each expecting a tough game.

“You get to this point and there’s a lot at stake,” Kennedy said. “We have to play hard and have fun. This is big for both communities and hopefully everybody walks away injury free. Chad runs a great program and I feel we’re not to shabby either.”

Gimbel agreed.

“It’ll be a great game between two great teams. It’s too bad it’s being played this early,” he said.

The winner of the Section 1A title game will take on the winner Lester Prairie/Holy Trinity and Kimball Area in Section 4A in the quarterfinals.