The Redhawks (8-1) are back in action Thursday for their final District 7-5A football game of the regular season at 7:00 p.m. against the Lovejoy Leopards (9-0), currently ranked #2 in the state, at Lovejoy Stadium.

“We are really just excited for the game in general,” quarterback, junior Keldric Luster said. “Between making playoffs and the game Thursday, we have a bunch of opportunities headed our way and I think that is really just going to get us going and give us that adrenalin boost we need heading into the next few games.”

Not only will a win over Lovejoy give the Redhawks a part of the district championship, but ESPN recently announced that Thursday’s game will air on ESPNU.

“Playing on ESPN, I really feel like it’s just another game,” Luster said. “It is a big deal, but we still need to just come out there and play our best.”

While the opportunity presented to the team is something many players do not receive, head coach Matt Swinnea believes the athletes should not place any more significance on this game than they would to any other.

“One thing we are going to talk to the kids about is that there really shouldn’t be any added pressure,” Swinnea said. “This is just another great opportunity on a great stage. It’s going to be a party-like atmosphere and I think we just need to relax, enjoy the moment, and let the chips fall where they may.”

Wanting to keep the athletes’ minds on their opponent, Swinnea hopes to see the team’s efforts this season reflected in Thursday’s game.

“This week we have the opportunity to play against Lovejoy for the championship, so right now our concentration is on Loveyjoy and that opportunity,” Swinnea said. “As a whole we’re excited and just thankful for the opportunity to be here.”