The long road trips are over for Porters Chapel, now it is time to focus on reaching the Academy-A playoffs.

One week after the Eagles traveled more than four hours each way to West Memphis, Ark., they’ll get a relative breather with tonight’s matchup at University Christian. Kickoff for the District 5-A contest is 7 p.m.

Wright cautioned against taking the winless Flames for granted. They played Class AAA East Rankin to within a field goal and lost 6-3 to double-A Newton. In that game, the Flames had the ball inside the 5-yard line three times without scoring any points.

“They are definitely not an 0-4 team,” Wright said. “They should be sitting at 2-2 right now. They are very well coached and they have some athletes. It’s definitely going to be a tough ballgame.”

The Flames average only eight points per game and have scored one offensive touchdown. Two kickoff returns and a fumble return account for the rest of their touchdowns. John Dugan scored UC’s only offensive touchdown, a 1-yard run in the East Rankin loss.

Wright’s wariness of the Flames comes mostly from concerns about his own team. A rash of injuries in the preseason has had the veteran coach constantly tweaking and shifting his lineup.

“With only 20 kids dressing out, that gets tough,” Wright said.

The offensive line has been decimated by injuries and the Eagles are currently on their fourth center. Good news appears to be on the horizon as Wright expects offensive line standout Chris May to return from a knee injury. May, one of the top returning offensive linemen from last year, will not play tonight but has been practicing.

The Eagles have a winning record through half the season and are legitimate playoff contenders.

“I feel like we are right on track,” Wright said. “The important games are the district games and we are 1-0 in district. That’s why this game is so important for us. We need to try and figure out how to go over there and get a win, then we’ll be 2-0 in district and you never know what will happen.”