The T.R. Miller Tigers will host Cottage Hill Christian in a region one matchup this Friday.

Miller was narrowly missed a win against Opp last week. What can’t be lost in the shuffle is the Tiger’s dismal game turning the ball over, including five times in the first half.

Miller looks to rebound with its first win of the season, facing a Cottage Hill team coming off a blowout loss to 4A opponent Satsuma, 47-14.

Top Warrior players to watch are junior wide receiver Reggie Rayford, linebacker Devon Hill and senior quarterback Will Harrington.

TRM head coach Andrew Thomas said he likes his team’s chances this week, but sees the importance playing “T.R. Miller” football week-in-and-week-out despite the opponent.

“(Cottage Hill) seems to be a little better than they were last year,” Thomas said. “They run a spread offense. They run a 3-4 on defense. We have to take this week to doing things right and getting better.

“Turnovers killed us last week,” Thomas said. “A lot happens when you turnover the ball. You put a lot of pressure on your defense, and it messes with you mentally. Especially when your having success driving the ball.

“But the kids hung in there, and I was proud of the way we played hard,” he said. “We’re not playing as physical as I would like, but we’re playing hard. I think that will come with time and experience.”

Thomas said a key to the season will be to develop his player’s will to close out games strong.

“We took a lead in the fourth (last week). We got to own that. We have to close out.

“I believe we went in with cruise control mode,” he said. “We’re kind of lacking that killer instinct. We’re going to try to develop that in practice as best we can, but the players are going to have to make a decision to stick in there and have the courage to be physical. All and all, I think this should be a good week for us.”

Last year, the Tiger’s found themselves in a similar situation after falling to Andalusia in the first game of the season 25-0. Miller rebounded by winning eight straight games.

Miller is 6-0 all-time versus Cottage Hill. Last season the Tigers shutout the Warriors, 48-0.

Kickoff will be at Brewton Municipal Stadium at 7 p.m.