The Keith Bears (6-4) have made it a habit to reach the Alabama High School Athletic Association playoffs.

The Bears have made the playoffs eight of the last nine years, but haven’t been able to get through the first round in any of those years. Winning playoff games is never easy, but it’s even tougher when they’re on the road.

The Bears have played on the road in six of their seven playoff games under coach Harry Crum, and hit the road again this week for Friday’s game at New Brockton.

“It is going to be power football versus power football,” Crum said. “We love to run the football, and we’ve got some kids that can run it. We just adjust to what we see on the field and adjust to what you give us.”

Crum said it’s important for the Bears to control the flow of Friday’s game with their running game. If Keith can do that and limit turnovers, he likes his team’s chances.

The Bears are led by running back Domonique Jones, who enters this week healthy after a season dealing with nagging injuries.

The Bears’ passing game has developed throughout the year as well. Keith quarterback Jared Edwards, a freshman, also figures to have an opportunity to make a few plays in the passing game. Crum said Edwards may be the first freshman starting quarterback to ever lead Keith to the playoffs.

“Sometimes I forget that Jared is a freshman. I’ve been treating him like he’s a junior or a senior, but he’s not,” Crum said. “He’s made some incredible throws this year and as he matures more, he’s going to be a force to deal with.”

New Brockton (6-4) has won four of its last five games going into Friday’s game. The Gamecocks finished second in class 2A, region 3 to earn a home playoff game. New Brockton is undefeated in four home games this year, outscoring its opponents 226-60 in those games.  New Brockton’s last home loss came to Flomaton during the first round of last season’s playoffs.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. Friday at New Brockton.