The first game of provincial playoffs for the HCI Mohawks football team will be a familiar opponent.

After finishing second in the conference with a 4-2 record, the Mohawks have drawn the defending provincial champion Warman Wolverines in the quarter-finals.

"They're a well coached team and will be a tough team to play, especially on the road. We look forward to the challenge, we know tough games can come at any point in the playoffs," said Head Coach Cory Popoff. "We certainly will make sure that we are prepared and that we have the right offence and defence in place so we can have the best opportunity to win."

The Mohawks hosted Warman in last year's provincial semi-final. Trailing 28-22 late in the game, Humboldt suffered a critical turnover, ultimately leading to a 42-22 decision in favour of the Wolverines.

Warman went on to defeat Melfort in the provincial final.

Popoff says that while there is some fuel burning from last year's loss, they still need to take care of business in executing plays.

"Last year's loss was a big disappointment to our club. We do feel our players played well, we just needed that little bit extra to finish the game strong," he explained. "This year there will certainly be some motivation for us, but we are going to play a well coached team so we certainly need to bring our 'A' game."

He added that the coaches and players are ready to go and that a strong week of practice has set the stage for Saturday.

"I think the biggest advantage comes in preparation for the game, making sure we have the right blocking schemes down for their defence," said Popoff. "Also, making sure that our defence is prepared to stop their offence - I hear they have a pretty strong running game."

Asked about his final thoughts on the game, Popoff kept it short.

"Here we are, and we're ready to go."

Kickoff at Neufeld Field in Warman is 1:00pm.

Saturday Schedule
3A
Kindersley at Melfort
Martensville at Esterhazy
Humboldt at Warman
Sacred Heart at Fort Qu'Appelle

2A
Unity at Clavet
Maple Creek at Melville
Foam Lake at Lumsden
Tisdale at Delisle

2A 6-man
Wakaw at Hanley
Watrous at La Ronge
Beauval at Wynyard
Assiniboia at Rosthern

1A 6-man
Kerrobert at Southey
Hudson Bay at Pinehouse
Myles Venne at Carrot River
Raymore at Plenty