LYFORD - For the 10 Rio Grande Valley football teams still in the playoffs, it's a big week. After taking first-round victories, a win this weekend puts them on the Thanksgiving football schedule.

In Lyford, the Bulldogs are barking after an impressive win. With a win two weeks ago, the Lyford Bulldogs met their first goal – a district championship for the first time since 2009.

"We've been working for that. Ever since my freshman year, it's been stressed. That's what we've been working for,” said junior Layne Klostermann, a middle linebacker. “And to finally get it with these group of guys, it means a lot."

The team’s next goal was to win a playoff game, which the Bulldogs hadn’t done since 2004. On Friday, Lyford ended the drought.

“Hopefully, we keep winning,” said junior Javier Gonzalez.

With most of the Bulldog starters playing offense and defense, practice is even more important. The players have had to stay in shape for the grind of the season.

“What you do in practice you do in the games, so keep getting reps and condition yourself,” said Gonzalez.

In Friday's win over Jourdanton, the Bulldogs’ second half adjustments were big. After allowing 18 points in the first half, the Bulldog defense clamped down and gave up just seven after that.

Klostermann was one of the leaders for the Mean Green defense. "It's helped us having a lot of juniors and seniors on the team, showing the underclassmen,” he said. “That's been a big help to this team."

And now Lyford prepares for their next goal - a win over China Spring Friday. That would put the Bulldogs in the regional semi-finals.

"All the teams that got here are good,” said Klostermann. “It all comes down to execution. As long as we can put some points on the board and get some good stops, I have a good feeling about this game."