INDEPENDENCE — Lutcher head coach Tim Detillier didn’t hesitate when asked what his team’s key to success would be against Independence Friday night.

“Stay away from mistakes,” the Bulldogs mentor responded. “Over the last three weeks we’ve committed double-figures in turnovers, and that has to stop. We’ve got to do a better job protecting the ball.”

The Bulldogs will, indeed, have to cut down on those miscues if they hope to move on with a win against the Tigers.

Independence, ranked 10th in Class 3A, possesses a balanced offensive attack that mixes the running and passing games quite well. The Tigers finished the regular-season campaign with a 7-3 record.

Independence certainly has a strong football tradition, but so, to, do the Bulldogs.

Lutcher finished third in the District 10-3A standings this season and enter the 2004 playoffs as the No. 23 team.

The Bulldogs had a chance to create a three-way tie for first place in their regular-season finale last week against St. Charles, but dropped a 33-14 decision the the Comets.

Friday night’s battle against the Tigers is slated for a 7 p.m. kickofff at Independence.