Cairo defenders take down a Westover ball carrier at West Thomas Stadium last week.

CAIRO — Cairo’s football team clinched a playoff spot with a blowout win last week. Tonight, it can go even further.

The Syrupmakers (5-3, 4-1) will be looking to secure a home playoff game, as it travels north to play Northside-Columbus in a crucial Region 1-4A matchup.

Both teams are currently tied for second in the region standings at 4-1 behind Americus-Sumter, which looks to be on its way to the No. 1 seed.

“Anytime you can get a home playoff game, that’s a big thing at state,” Cairo coach Steve DeVoursney said. “Hopefully we can go up there and play well on the road. Northside’s got a very good football team.”

Last week, Cairo put in a complete effort on every facet, dismantling Westover with a 39-6 win. On defense, the Syrupmakers forced five turnovers, with Jamel Chin recovering two fumbles and returning an interception for a touchdown. Offensively, Jamarcus Vicks led his team with 104 yards rushing on 11 carries, while quarterback Matthew Peters ran for 88 yards.

“We just moved the ball offensively and defensively,” DeVoursney said. “(It was) bend but didn’t break. Those were the biggest things that stood out. We made some plays on special teams.”

Northside is coming off a win against Shaw, and is getting most of its starting offensive linemen back from injuries. That will be huge for quarterback Chandler Blanton, who has passed for 1,077 yards and 11 touchdowns this season. Northside likes to spread the ball around. Running backs Fred Davis and Marcus Smith have combined for 1,035 yards and 11 scores, and the Patriots have two senior receivers that can do some damage as well.

“They’ve got players in a lot of different places,” DeVoursney said. “This is gonna be one of those games that’s gonna come down to who blocks, tackles and holds onto the football better. It’s gonna be one that goes down to the wire in the fourth quarter and it could come down to who has the ball last or who has the best field position at the end.

“We’re getting our guys geared up to play four quarters and I’m sure they are too.”