Spring Hill enters the postseason with a 5-5 overall record and a 4-3 mark in conference play, highlighted by key victories on the road at Dierks and at home against Murfreesboro and Mineral Springs.

The Bears started the season with early setbacks against Genoa Central and Centerpoint but quickly found their footing in conference action, stringing together three consecutive wins that secured their playoff berth. Despite a tough loss to Junction City last week, Spring Hill looks to bounce back and rediscover their winning form in Carlisle.

Carlisle, on the other hand, has taken a different path to the playoffs. The Bison finished the regular season at 9-1, with their only loss coming to Hampton, 36-28. Since then, they’ve rattled off four straight wins, including a big home victory over Bearden on October 24 to lock in the No. 2 seed. Carlisle’s offense has been explosive, scoring 40 or more points in five games this season.

Spring Hill’s offense is led by senior quarterback Jaxon Smith, who has managed the offense efficiently while developing strong chemistry with senior standout Karson Hamilton. The Bears’ offensive line will play a crucial role in determining how deep this playoff run can go—if they can control the trenches, Spring Hill’s playmakers have the potential to put points on the board.

Defensively, senior linebacker Maddox Dickson anchors the Bears’ unit. This defense has held opponents to 20 points or fewer in five games this season by flying to the ball and tackling well. Against Carlisle, minimizing big plays will be key to keeping the Bison offense in check.

Looking at the bracket, a win would likely set up a second-round matchup with Mount Ida, with EPC and Gurdon also sitting on the Bears’ side of the draw. Hampton and Junction City earned top seeds on the opposite side, making for a highly competitive 2A field this year.

This gritty group of Bears has embraced the challenge—and the mindset around Spring Hill is simple: “Why not us?”