For the first time in nearly a month, Randy Wright had a nice, normal week of practice.

No head-scratching arithmetic to figure out power points. No complex equations to decode playoff scenarios. Just the usual football-related things like watching film, practicing and getting ready for the season finale against Franklin Academy.

It was kind of nice.

“It’s great to be in the playoffs and not be in a must-win situation. But for our program, every week is a must-win. We don’t like to lose,” Wright said.

PCA beat Benton last week to clinch second place in District 5-A and a playoff spot. That allowed them to avoid a crazy four-team wild card race that will come down to the final gun tonight. It doesn’t mean the Eagles plan to take the week off, though.

Before next week’s playoff opener against Heidelberg, they have to play a Franklin squad that Wright believes is more dangerous than it looks.

The Cougars only have a 3-7 record this season and had a three-game span against playoff teams in which they were shut out three times and outscored 134-0. Franklin has allowed 40 or more points six times in 10 games.

But it does have a solid quarterback in Nick Williams and rallied for three fourth-quarter touchdowns in a 21-18 loss to Riverdale last week. Williams has rushed for 10 touchdowns this season and thrown for three.

While the Eagles should win, Wright said they can’t just show up and expect to do it.

“They have a very athletic quarterback. We are very concerned about his ability to run the ball. We’ve got our hands full. They’ve won three ballgames this year and he’s won all three by himself,” Wright said. “They’ve also got a 6-foot-8 kid at receiver. He’s a legitimate match-up problem for us.”

Wright added that the atmosphere of tonight’s game should keep the Eagles focused. Barring an upset, this will be the last home game for six seniors. PCA lost a coin toss and will have to travel to Heidelberg next week, and as a second-place team would only be guaranteed to host a playoff game against a wild-card.

“It’s our last home game. It’s senior night. I feel like we can keep the kids motivated because it’s the last time they’ll strap on that Eagles jersey and that white helmet with the blue wings in front of a home crowd,” Wright said.