It wasn’t exactly the way most teams plan to head into the playoffs, but Aberdeen Central is sure making the most of its opportunity.

The Golden Eagles entered the Class 11AA football post season on a six-game losing streak, but knocked off second-seeded Brookings last week. Now as Central prepares for its semifinal game Friday at Pierre, the Eagles are just one game away from playing for a state championship.

“Our kids continue to keep working hard every day in practice,” said Central coach Scott Svendsen. “We just kind of focused on ourselves and what we had to do to get better and prepare ourselves for each and every game.”

To be sure there was a learning curve with a new coach and a new scheme on both sides of the ball. At times there were evident growing pains, but through it all, the coaching staff and players never lost hope. That was rewarded last weekend with the road victory over a team that had started Central’s midseason slide.

“It all came to fruition when we played Brookings first round,” Svendsen said. “I really think that our kids are peaking right now.”

Svendsen pointed back to a contest at top-rated Tea Area where things began to turn around. While the Eagles lost that game, they found out they could compete with the best teams in 11AA.

“After that game we had a big conversation,” Svendsen said. “We told our kids, if we get a couple of things straightened out and some miscues taken care of and play a complete ball game, we can play with anybody in the state.”

Next up for the Eagles is a chance to avenge another regular-season setback. Pierre outscored Central 52-35 a few weeks ago at Swisher Field. Governors quarterback Lincoln Kienholz was nearly unstoppable that evening, throwing for 377 yards and seven touchdowns, and also running for a score.

Obviously, the junior signal-caller will be the focus of Central’s game plan for the rematch.

“That’s the heart of their team. We have to stop him,” Svendsen said. “We have to keep him in check all night long. If we don’t keep him in check and if we don’t keep him to a minimal and let him run around and make big plays, it’s going to be a long night for the Eagles.”

That’s where adjustments come into play. Because the last game took place recently, Central doesn’t need much of a refresher course on what one of the state’s most high-powered offenses looks like.

“We’ve played them. We know them a little bit so we can make some adjustments. We understand them. We know what they’re about,” Svendsen said. “They do some things offensively definitely that are unique and different.”

Svendsen believes the first meeting will help his team prepare for the Governors.

“Honestly, I think it helps us out that we’ve seen them one time and that we can have a shot at them.”

The Golden Eagles are coming off a stellar performance against Brookings in which the Eagles racked up more than 400 yards rushing, led by Karson Carda with 248 yards and four touchdowns.

Central would like to keep that ground assault going this week to combat Pierre’s proficiency for putting points on the board.

“Obviously, we have to keep the quarterback in check. That’s number one,” Svendsen said of keys to the game. “Number two, we have to be able to run the football and control the football and keep it out of their hands. And then number three, we have to play a complete ballgame and be exceptional on special teams as well.”

While Central will once again be an underdog this weekend, the Eagles are still alive as they search for their first state championship game appearance since 2009.

Svendsen had a message for his players before the post season got under way.

“I told our kids before the playoffs started, the team that can get better through the playoffs and improve through the playoffs, those are the teams that can do good things,” he said. “That’s what we’re trying to do.”