By Bruce Campbell, Staff Writer

Pond Creek-Hunter and Cherokee scheduled their final regular-season game for a Thursday two years ago with the playoffs in mind.

There could be a playoff atmosphere when the Chiefs visit Pond Creek-Hunter on Thursday with District B-1’s final playoff berth on line.

The winner will get a chance to scout their first-round opponent. The loser gets a head start on basketball practice.

“This is why we did it,’’ said Pond Creek-Hunter coach David Kerr. “It’s worked out for both of us. We could have a big crowd because of the interest in the game.’’

The Panthers missed the playoffs for the first time since 2003 a year ago when they were 5-5 in a rebuilding year.

Pond Creek-Hunter, Kerr said, almost had to approach every week in the second half as a playoff game after opening the season 1-3.

The three losses were to defending state runner-up Laverne (62-12), No. 2-ranked Canton (45-8) and Seiling, No. 3 in Class C (48-28).

They had to play those three games without fullback-linebacker Tony Herrera (ankle) and wide receiver-linebacker Rikki Winton (ineligible).

The Panthers (5-4 overall and 4-3 in District B-1) have won four of their last five games, including Merritt (48-8) last week.

“This is one more step that we have to take care of,’’ Kerr said. “You don’t have to worry about points or getting help from somebody else.’’

Cherokee (5-4, 4-3) has won four straight. The Chiefs opened the season 1-4, with losses to Timberlake, Laverne, defending state champion Garber and Canton.

The key game for both was a close game over Geary — Cherokee, 20-12, the second week of the season, and Pond Creek-Hunter, 34-28, on Oct. 9.

Because of the Geary wins, Kerr felt there would be a good chance the Chiefs and Panthers would be meeting for a playoff berth.

“We’re pretty evenly matched,’’ Kerr said. “We both played a brutal schedule early. We both have been pretty consistent the second half of the season.’’

The tough schedule without Winton and Herrera might have helped the development of younger players, Kerr said.

“Maybe,’’ Kerr said. “We had kids in different positions. They had to learn to play, battle and fight through adversity.’’

Cherokee’s strength has been its ground game, led by speedy quarterback Justin Schanbacher. That’s a concern for Kerr, whose team has allowed an average of 239.2 yards rushing per game.

“Tony and Rikki have helped us get more speed on the field,’’ Kerr said. “That was something we were missing early in the year. We have been playing better defense lately but we have a lot of things we need to improve on. Schanbacher is a great athlete. We will have to find a way to stop him.’’

The Chiefs will have to find a way to stop Pond Creek-Hunter quarterback Cody Coats, who has rushed for nine touchdowns and has thrown for 19 more.

Winton has eight TD receptions while Johnie Michael has seven.

“Anytime you can get the ball in Rikki’s hands, he has a chance to score,’’ Kerr said. “You have to try to find a way to stop Cody if you want to beat us.’’

The Panthers have averaged 156 yards rushing and 164.9 yards passing. Freshman tailback Brady Krittenbrink has scored six touchdowns.

He has been aided by having Herrera — a center last season — as his lead blocker at fullback.

“Staying balanced has been a big key for us,’’ Kerr said. “If somebody shuts down the run, we can pass. If somebody shuts down the pass, we can run.’’

The Panthers accomplished their main goal in the Merritt game — staying healthy.