From The Sun's Stefen Lovelace:

The No. 9 Perry Hall (9-1) football team has 21 seniors. They’ve had a lot of success in their football careers, making it to the 4A North regional three times.

They’re 0-3 in those games, though.

"We’re where we wanted to be in the beginning of the year," offensive coordinator Brian Nagel said. "We’ve made it to the regional finals three straight years, but we’re 0-3 and we’re trying to change the fortune."

The Gators are on the right track again, clinching the No. 1 seed in the region after a 17-14 victory against Milford Mill last Friday.

Up 14-0, Milford Mill clamped down on defense and tied the score, 14-14, going into the fourth quarter. Perry Hall kicker Brett Ullman kicked a 29-yard field goal midway through the fourth to give Perry Hall its margin of victory.

The Gators are led offensively by Dave Stinebaugh, who is listed at tight end, but catches, runs and throws the ball. Mike Lang plays quarterback and his performance was key in the Gators' victory over the Millers. He finished 9-for-18 for 150 yards, one passing touchdown and one rushing touchdown.

The Gators are strong on defense, too, led by seniors who know what it’s like to advance deep in the playoffs. Seniors Sam Hunter and Justin Sanders anchor the defensive line, while senior linebacker Ryan Pittilo seems to be all over the field.

Perry Hall will face North Carroll, which has a strong quarterback of its own in Stefan Mitchell, at home on Friday at 7 p.m. Nagel believes this year’s team can finally get the title that has eluded Perry Hall the past three years.

"They’ve been through a lot this year," Nagel said, referring to his players. "They’re definitely fighters. If it comes down to it, I believe in my kids that they’ll pull it out."