CORDOVA -- Facing adversity is something that Andy Palmer and the Edisto Cougars have done for most of the football season.

But now, after losing four of their last five games, the Cougars (3-5) face the biggest challenge they've had this year. With two games remaining, Edisto must win both games in order to make the playoffs and that journey to the postseason begins tonight in the Cougars' Den as they host Wade Hampton.

"This is a must-win situation," Palmer said between sessions at practice Thursday afternoon. "I think with the way our region sits right now, you're going to have to have three [region] wins to get into the playoffs."

Although they have a tough task awaiting them, Palmer said his team isn't worried.

"The morale has always been good for this team," he said. "They've never put their heads down."

Edisto's last two games are at home. That fact alone could be an advantage for the Cougars.

"We've got Homecoming and Senior Night," Palmer said. "I can't think of any two other nights that would give us some incentive."

While some coaches may see the Homecoming festivities as a distraction, Palmer believes that it isn't.

"It's a special time of the year for our kids," he said. "All that is part of being a high school football player and the experiences of high school football. So, we've enjoyed it."

Palmer's biggest concern is what the Red Devils can do with the ball on offense.

"They've had some games where they've kept the ball in their possession and been able to do some things," he said. "So, we're going to have to get them off the field offensively and keep the ball in our hands on offense."

The Cougars feel that they have to make things happen early to take some of the pressure off of themselves.

"For a team that's got two wins, adversity early on in the game can be a big source of contention," Palmer said. "So, we've got to come out and make some special plays early on and ride in from there."

The adversity that Edisto has faced is a part of the game and it's something that they've dealt with from day one.

"In a high school football game or any type of game situation, there's going to be ups and downs," Palmer said. "We wish it would be just all smooth sailing all the way through, but that's not the way it's going to be."

In order to put themselves in a better position, Palmer believes that the team has to have find confidence early.

"We can't put our heads down in a negative situation," the coach said. "If something happens where we have to weather some adversity, we need to keep our heads up, weather it and play the next down."

-- T&D Sports Writer Emery Glover can be reached by e-mail at eglover@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-533-5532. Check out his blog, Cover 2, at www.thetandd.com/blogs. --

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