DOWAGIAC — The Dowagiac varsity football team will trying to qualify for the state playoffs for the 11th time in the past 13 season when it hosts Paw Paw in its regular season finale at Chris Taylor-Alumni Field Friday night.

The Chieftains (5-3) need to beat the Redskins (4-4) in order to earn an automatic berth into the Michigan High School Athletic Association postseason.

“Our mindset has not changed,” Dowagiac coach Mike Stanger said. “We are just preparing for Paw Paw like any other week. We are taking it one game at a time. ”

Dowagiac reached the Division 5 district championship game in 2016 before being eliminated by Berrien Springs 14-7.

The Chieftains are 7-10 over the last 13 playoff games.

They won their last district championship in 2011 with a 42-13 victory over Hopkins.

Dowagiac was eliminated in the regional finals by Lansing Catholic Central 61-13 when Cooper Rush, who is now the backup quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys, threw for eight touchdowns and set a state record with seven touchdowns in one half.

But before the Chieftains can worry about how far they will go in this postseason they must first beat Paw Paw to earn a spot.

The Redskins are coming into Friday night’s contest having dropped a 35-28 decision to Wolverine Conference co-leader Plainwell.

Paw Paw has defeated Otsego (47-0), Sturgis (28-14), South Haven (49-0) and Allegan (58-6).

The Redskins were defeated by league co-leader Edwardsburg 52-0 on Sept. 8.

Dowagiac also defeated the Bulldogs (67-7), Trojans (40-18), Rams (54-14) and Tigers (27-0).

The Chieftains lost to the Eddies 28-20 on a touchdown in the game’s final 30 seconds.

“We have to make our defensive reads and use good form tackling,” Stanger said. “If we  are arm tackling they will be able to move the sticks. On offense, we need to protect the football and avoid penalties that hurt or stop drives.

“We just have to continue to play one game at a time and enjoy the process (season/post season). This team wants to continue playing football for as long as we can.”

Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

The Michigan High School Athletic Association will announce its 2017 playoff pairs on Fox Sports Detroit beginning at 7 p.m. Sunday.