Little Axe's run to the playoffs has been one of the better stories in the state this year.

For the first time in school history, the Indians are off to the postseason. And thanks to the ineligibility decision against Jones by the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association Thursday, they'll even host a playoff game.

Tonight's game against hapless SeeWorth is just a formality, and it looks like Little Axe will finish the regular season 8-2, 6-1 in District 2A-2. Both would also be school bests.

So, what does that mean for coach Tony Smith and the program he's building?

"It just continues to build our kids' confidence toward what we're trying to accomplish," Smith said.

The biggest victory of the season was last week's at Lexington, and it's the first time, maybe ever, that Little Axe beat a team it wasn't supposed to.

Smith called it a "program-changing" win.

When he first got to Little Axe four seasons ago, Smith couldn't field a freshman team and barely had enough players for a reserve roster.

Victories like last week's, an eight-win season and a trip to the playoffs will help there, too.

The biggest thing Smith and his coaching staff had to overcome was a lack of confidence. That's not a problem anymore.

"It's different now," Smith said. "More kids come out. More kids have confidence that they can win, that they can beat anybody we play."

Defensive Royals

When you talk about eight-man football, the discussion usually turns to how many points are scored per game.

But the reason Community Christian is 9-0 for the first time heading into tonight's Oklahoma Christian Schools Athletics Association semifinal with Southwest Christian is likely its defense, helmed by former offensive coordinator Paul Potter.