After breaking their first two-game losing streak in five years, Gainesville (8-3) hopes it can ride the momentum of last week’s first-round win against Rome, into a win in the second round of the Class AAAAA state playoffs against Kell (10-1) tonight in Marietta. This game is shaping up to feature two heavyweight offenses with a state quarterfinal berth going to the winner.

While the Red Elephants had the area’s best offense so far this season, including 489 yards in last week’s win over Rome at City Park Stadium, playing on the road in the postseason is another story.

According to the Georgia High School Football Daily, the Red Elephants have lost 12 of their last 13 road games in the playoffs dating back to 1987. Their last road victory came in 2004 against Cedar Grove at Panthersville Stadium, a field shared by Dekalb County schools. The Red Elephants were 4-1 on the road during the regular season with their only loss at Flowery Branch for the Region 8-AAAAA championship on Nov. 9.

“We’re very excited to go to Kell,” Gainesville coach Bruce Miller said. “We’ve got to show up, can’t have a night off in the round of 16.”

Kell coach Derek Cook says being at home for tonight’s game doesn’t mean there’s an advantage, due to the Thanksgiving break schools had this week.

“Home may not be an advantage with Thanksgiving,” Cook said. “(We) Try and stay as close to the routine as possible.”

This also marks the fifth straight year the Red Elephants have reached the second round of the state playoffs.

“We’ve had great players and good assistants,” Miller said of their five-year playoff run.

With a win tonight, Gainesville could reach the fourth quarterfinal appearance in the last six years.

The Red Elephants’ offense, averaging 43.4 points per game, is led by junior quarterback Deshaun Watson.

Watson’s statistics in 2012 have been just as impressive as in 2011 when he was an All-State selection. He leads the area in passing with 2,823 yards and 37 touchdowns, while rushing for 954 yards and 14 touchdowns.

Against Rome, Watson was 25 of 30 for 225 yards and four touchdowns. He also rushed for 79 yards.

Watson’s joined by an astounding cast of players; sophomore wide receiver Rodney Lackey has caught 48 passes for 788 yards and 13 touchdowns, good for second in the area. Sophomore running back Michael Byrd has rushed for 490 yards and five touchdowns. He’s also caught 25 passes for 246 yards and another two touchdowns. Byrd rushed for 75 yards and one touchdown against Rome.

“(Deshaun Watson’s) an incredible player. He extends plays with (his) legs and makes something out of nothing,” Cook said. “Their running backs are quick as lightning; their defense is in the right position all the time.”

The Red Elephants’ running game is (quite) possibly the place where the game’s decided.

The Longhorns’ defense is led by two college football recruits, Brendan Langley and Quincy Mauger, both verbally committed to the University of Georgia. Langley recorded five interceptions throughout the regular season for the Longhorns’ defense. He also has 11 touchdowns on the offensive side.

“They’re very athletic,” Miller said.

The Red Elephants’ defense faces an offense very similar to their very own; averaging 31.4 points per game the Longhorns’ offense is led by junior quarterback Matthew McGuigan.

McGuigan has thrown for over 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns. Their running back group is led by Jamari Moore and Khalil Bell, who have rushed for 18 total touchdowns.

Cook also said he expects it to be a physical game, and turnovers and penalties could play a key-part in determining who wins and who loses.

With a win, Kell would reach the quarterfinal round for the second time in team history.

“It could be a great (football) game,” Miller said.

The winner of tonight’s game plays the winner of Warner Robins/Harris County on Nov. 30.