It is a big week for Escambia County Blue Devils football as they prepare to host the Saraland Spartans in a region battle Friday night at Herbert Barnes Stadium.

Not only is homecoming being held, but also the Blue Devils (4-2, 2-2) could secure a playoff berth if they defeat the Spartans (1-5, 1-3).

Blue Devils head coach Mark Heaton said keeping his players focused on their contest against Saraland is his top priority.

“It’s homecoming, so there will be a lot of distractions and we are just going to try and keep our kids focused,” Heaton said. “We’ll let them take part and enjoy some of the festivities, but we are also going to keep their minds on Saraland.”

The Blue Devils and their coaching staff know what is at stake as they practice this week for the Spartans. Heaton said getting better would be what helps his team earn the playoff spot that is up for grabs.

“We are just going to work to get better,” he said. “It’s another week with a huge region game. A win here will put us in the playoffs and that’s our No. 1 goal. We just have to get better all week in practice.”

Bouncing back from their 21-0 loss at the hands of No. 2 Thomasville will be important for the Blue Devils in order for them to earn a playoff berth.

Heaton said after evaluating his team’s performance against the Tigers he sees some good and bad.

“Well, I feel like defensively we are really coming into our own,” Heaton said. “We are getting really good on that side of the ball and our defensive line has taken great strides. Offensively, we are having some inconsistency up front with our offensive line. We are going to get those problems corrected though by putting a focus on our line in practice. We think there are some changes we can make by getting some extra time in with those guys.”

When it comes to preparing for the Spartans’ offense, the Blue Devils will face a spread offense that works in different sets.

The Blue Devils coach said his will see a lot of different things against Saraland.

“They run a lot of sets offensively,” Heaton said. “Saraland runs out of the spread, but they give several different looks that we will need to be ready for. They are a young team, but they have some really athletic guys in key positions that we will need to contain.”

On the defensive side of the ball, the Spartans will get in different fronts to confuse the Blue Devils offense.

Heaton said his team will need to be physical in order to be successful.

“Their defense runs in several different formations,” he said. “They get in a lot of odd fronts. I want our offense to be able to line up and run right at them. We have to be a better downhill running team with a more physical approach.”

Winning would make the 2010 season a success with a playoff berth being secured.

For the first-year ECHS coach, it would signify the direction his team is headed in.

“It’s a very important step,” Heaton said. “The Lord has blessed us and helped us get where we are now. Our ultimate goal is to still win a championship, but getting to the playoffs would get us on the right track.”

The Blue Devils and Spartans kick off at 7 p.m. on Friday night at Herbert Barnes Stadium.