LITTLE CYPRESS – There could easily be an offensive slugfest taking place at Battlin’ Bear Stadium Friday night when the Little Cypress-Mauriceville Battlin’ Bears welcome in the Silsbee Tigers in the District 10-4A Division I opener for both teams.

Both teams have piled up some gaudy offensive numbers of late.

The Bears (1-3) are coming off a 42-28 victory over Hardin-Jefferson last week. LC-M piled up 387 total yards in the victory, including 315 on the ground.

The Tigers (3-1), meanwhile, have scored 172 points on the season. They have defeated Barbers Hill (34-27), Coldspring (60-22) and Livingston (50-22).

The Tigers held their own for much of their game against West Orange-Stark last week before falling 49-28.

The battle will pit a pair of playoff teams from a year ago. LC-M started the season 1-3 last year as well but rallied for a 4-2 finish in 10-4A to take third-place. The Tigers sported a young team last season butwere able to finish 3-3 to earn the fourth-place playoff spot.

LC-M has changed its offense up to more of a power running game in the Slot-T and Wing-T. After the first four weeks, it looks like the players are starting to grasp the new system with district starting.

Fullback J’Lon Douglas leads the balanced Bear ground game with 322 yards. Tailback Sam King, who zipped for 122 yards, including a big 58-yard touchdown gallop against H-J, has 275 yards for the season while Chris Winters has chimed in with 211 yards.

Quarterback Beau Bickham played really well against H-J and now has 391 yards passing. Against H-J, he ran for 52 yards and a pair of scores and passed for another.

The Bear defense will try to slow down the big play, which hurt them in losses to Barbers Hill and Goose Creek Memorial.

The Tigers are a team that can produce big plays at any moment. They return eight starters on offense from their young squad of a year ago.

Silsbee quarterback Dontre’ Thomas makes the Tigers go with his arm and his legs. Thus far he has passed for more than 600 yards and has rushed for more than 500.

Thomas is complimented by a superb running back in Adonis Thomas and has a pair of excellent go-to receivers in Kolten Mackey and Kalon Barnes.

In last year’s battle, the Bears went on the road and produced a 28-14 win.

LC-M tailback Robert Green rushed for 135 yards and three TDs on 28 carries.

After Silsbee, the Bears will take a road trip in 10-4A play to Splendora Oct. 2.