Despite losing one of the state leaders in passing yards and touchdowns and dealing with a patchwork running game due to injuries, the Prairie City-Monroe football team was able to scrap its way to a playoff berth for the fifth year in a row.

After falling one game short of the UNI Dome and state semifinals last season while largely enjoying the comforts of home, the Mustangs (4-6, 3-3 Class 2A District 6) will have hit to the road immediately this postseason when they take on Mid-Prairie of Wellman (7-2) at 7 p.m. tonight.

The 160-mile round trip will feature plenty of tough defense and a balanced offense from the Golden Hawks, who have recorded shutouts in three of their last four games. Senior quarterback Reid Miller has moved the ball this season with 1,065 yards through the air, while junior running back Eesaa Baylor leads the team with 11 touchdowns.