The Lake Highlands volleyball team eliminated Rowlett from the playoffs on Tuesday in a thrilling, five-set match. The Lake Highlands football team (5-5) hopes to do the same to the Rowlett football team (6-4) on Friday when the two teams meet for their Bi-District playoff match.

The Wildcats' inclusion in the 2011 playoffs wasn't even a sure thing until the final game of the regular season had been played out. Lake Highlands and its opponent, Richardson High School, were both competing for the final playoff spot. The winner of their match would go on to the playoffs, and the loser would have their season abruptly end. The Wildcats managed to edge out the Eagles by a touchdown, 21-14, to save their season and advance.

The Wildcats' continued run through the playoffs wil depend heavily on their power rushing offense. Their two leading running backs, Jacobi Johnson and DeVonte Sunwenghan, account for nearly half of all the points scored by the team this season. Johnson has rushed for 757 yards and eight touchdowns while Sunwenghan has 535 yards and nine touchdowns.

The passing game came to life in the second half of the regular season with Micheal Ketchmark and Trent Jones at the helm. Ketchmark has taken a majority of the snaps and has thrown for 597 yards, three touchdowns and five interceptions. Jones has been efficient in his limited playing time, completing 30 passes for 455 yards and five touchdowns.

The Lake Highlands defense will have two main threats to contain on Friday. Rowlett quarterback Grant Bothun is a prolific passer, having completed 88 passes for 1,031 yards, 12 touchdowns and just three interceptions. On the ground, running back Jalen Rhodes is an equally dangerous threat. Rhodes has rushed for 1,062 yards and 14 touchdowns.

The game will be hosted at Garland's Homer B. Johnson Stadium and kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.