Morgan Academy has had a couple of chances to earn a playoff spot the last several weeks, only to come up short. The Senators have one final opportunity Friday night when they host Pike Liberal Arts.

“It’s one of those things where you control your own destiny and that’s what we’ve been telling our guys all week,” said Morgan coach Josh Thacker. “We don’t have a choice. We have to win. That’s kind of the mantra we took this week and hopefully the guys buy into it.”

First, Morgan has to put the last two weeks in the rear view mirror.

The Senators were outgained 269-133 Friday in a one-sided loss at Northside Methodist. The week before Morgan lost a hard fought game in overtime to Fort Dale, where the Eagles won on a two-point conversion in overtime.

“The heartbreaker to Fort Dale took a lot out of us because it was such a physical game, and it was such a big game, such a big swing,” Thacker said. “You win that game and you could possibly be second in the region and host a playoff game. You go from having a huge shot from having a shot to host a playoff game to fighting for a playoff spot.”

Last week, Morgan also lost Sam Brackin, the team’s leading rusher on the year. Brackin tore his ACL during the first half of last week’s game.

Brayton Brown, Chase Utsey and Ed Williams will share carries in the backfield in Brackin’s absence.

“Those guys are extremely good backs also that can pick up the load,” Thacker said.

Pike Liberal Arts defeated Hooper Academy 45-0 last week, but has lost three of its last five games coming in.

The Patriots (5-3, 2-2) will also look to lock up a playoff spot this week.

“They are huge in every facet you can think about for an AISA football team,” Thacker said. “They are going to line up in the I-formation and run it right at you, so we’ve got to be on top of our game.”