In an important regional battle on Friday night, the Douglas County Tigers played host to the East Coweta Indians on Senior Night.

A win for East Coweta meant a sure state playoff berth for the Indians while a win for DC made the road much easier going into the final week of the season.

The game went down to the final seconds of play, but the indians were able to hold off the Tigers for a 38-33 victory, meaning that DC will now look to next week's match at Tri-Cities to clinch the fourth and final state playoff seed.

In an evenly matched first quarter, it was the Tigers that drew first blood on a quick rush from Terrell Gibson for a 7-0 lead.

However, the Indians did not stay down for long, as Demarcus Godfrey rushed into the end zone with 2:30 on the clock and tied the game at seven.

Although it looked as if the Tigers might make a quick drive to answer back, a fumble gave the Indians prime possession at DC’s 32. Not wasting any time, quarterback Bryce Gemmel threw a lazer to a wide open Wyatt Potter, taking a 14-7 lead late in the first quarter.

Still pushing to keep their chance alive, DC's Anthony Graves quickly made up for the fumble and ran downfield for an 80-yard carry and a touchdown with 57 seconds still left in the first quarter. But a missed extra point kept the Tigers from a tie and as they trailed 14-13.

The second quarter was dominated by the relentless Indian offense and two touchdowns from an impressive Markell Boston. Then, with 54 seconds until the half, the Indians stretched their lead to 31-13 after a field goal from Spencer Smith.

After the half, the Tigers came out running and scored on their opening drive after a quarterback Eliis Richardson rushed past an unsuspecting Indian defense. With 10:29 on the clock, DC only trailed by 11 with a more promising, 31-20 score.

However, the Indians quickly continued their first half rhythm and marched downfield on the ensuing drive. With the clock winding down, Gemmel found Devontay Parker on a quick strike and strengthened their lead to 38-20.

Continuing their fight, DC's Richardson found a hole in the Indian defense and his second touchdown of the half with 41 seconds to go in the third. A blocked point after locked the Tigers at a 38-26 deficit.

However, Richardson was not done. At the 2:46 mark in the fourth, a wide run to the left earned him a third TD and closed the gap with the score at 38-33.

The Tigers could almost touch a victory coming down to the final seconds of play, but East Coweta remained on top thanks to some solid defense and came away with the victory.

"East Coweta is well coached and I congratulate them", said Douglas County head coach Jason Respert. "I praise God for this team and our coaches. We have just got to find a way to make the plays when they present themselves."