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The Ariton Purple Cats hope to advance to the state semifinals with a win over the Leroy Bears on Friday night in Leroy.

The Purple Cats have now advanced to the quarterfinals for the second consecutive season. They knocked off LaFayette last Friday night 30-12.

The Purple Cats last played the Bears in the second round of the Class 2A playoffs during the 2017 season in Ariton. The Bears had the upper hand that night, defeating the Purple Cats 35-21.

This year’s version of the Leroy Bears comes into Friday’s matchup with a 10-2 overall record. They finished the regular season 8-2 overall and finished as the top seed in region one.

The Bears have playoff wins this season against Daleville 37-16 and Goshen 34-25.

The are averaging 31 points per game this season. The Bears defense has allowed 16 points per game.

“We are very similar,” head coach Steven Kilcrease said. “We are similar in scheme in offense and defense. We like physical football. They are big and good up front.”

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Palmer Stadium.