HANCEVILLE — Danny Miller hasn’t really been sure what to think of Hanceville’s new-look offense.

After scoring just 76 points in their first five contests, the Bulldogs have reeled off 145 over an impressive three-week stretch that includes a 50-40 victory over then-Class 3A No. 6 Oakman and a 60-50 win versus county rival Holly Pond last Friday night.

Not too shabby.

But while Miller is more than happy to see his squad garner some wins, the seasoned head coach can’t quite seem to fall in love with the manner in which they’ve come.

Instead, he’s simply adopted a new motto — “Whatever it takes.”

“If that’s what we have to do to be successful, then we’ll do it,” he said. “I don’t really like situations when we feel like we have to score on every single possession, but we’ve been able to do some good things on offense this year. I’d like to win 7-0, though. 60-50 isn’t my kind of thing (laughs). But hey, whatever works.”

The Dawgs’ newfound offense has them sitting in a position that seemed impossible just a few weeks ago. After starting off the season 1-5, they’ve since improved to 3-5 (3-2) and will battle Susan Moore (3-5, 3-2) at Ray Talley Stadium Friday night for an opportunity to host their fourth playoff game since 2011 as the No. 2 seed in 3A, Region 5.

A loss, however, would squash their postseason dreams.

Suddenly, a matchup that was almost certainly moot has become a big-time showcase with do-or-die implications.

“It’s been talked about for sure,” Miller said. “But we also told the kids that we’ve played in this kind of game already. We’ve had to win the last two games to even put ourselves in this position. I think they realize that. Susan Moore is in the same situation, too. Whoever plays best is going to get that last playoff spot.”

If Hanceville’s offense continues on its torrid pace, Miller won’t have to worry about making non-football plans come November 6.

Between Branen Hurst, B.J. Smalls, Romael Simmons, Jose Orozco and Isaac Weissend, the Bulldogs have more than enough weapons to hand a world of hurt to the visiting team.

But the recent of emergence of those playmakers hasn’t solely been the reason behind the Purple and Gold’s success.

According to Hurst, it’s been the big boys up front.

“That offensive line has made all the difference,” the junior quarterback said. “Our coaches told them, ‘If y’all aren’t going to be good, you’re going to be tough.’ And they’ve gotten tougher, which has made that unit better. We feel like we’re a good offense now.”

One of those offensive lineman, Austin Davis, took a more direct line.

“The first of the season, it was bad,” he said. “It was real bad. But after that, we just got better. We knew we could.”

While the offense has been clicking, the defense has struggled, at times, to slow down opposing teams.

Although Susan Moore doesn’t present the spread attack Miller and Co. have seen from almost every squad on their schedule, the opposing Bulldogs do run a variation of the single-wing offense that isn’t implemented very often on the prep level.

Not in this day and age.

“I haven’t seen it in a long time,” Miller said. “We are going to need to recognize formations. They don’t throw a lot and they don’t do a lot, but they try to be really good at what plays they run.”

Added Hurst: “I hope this doesn’t turn into another shootout, but they could give us some problems simply because we aren’t too familiar with what they like to do. But if our offense plays well and our defense has a good effort game, we’ll be fine.”

The challenge prior to Friday night’s kickoff will come with managing emotions and staying grounded — especially for a team rife with young players not accustomed to pressure-packed situations.

Davis likes what he’s seen so far, though.

“It’s more intense, definitely,” the senior said. “We’ve got to go out to play at full speed. We’re going to be amped up.”

But not too amped, according to Hurst.

“Most of this team is used to this,” he said. “I’m not sure how we are going to react, but I think it’ll be good. Me and Jose are the leaders and however we are, the team is. We don’t want to get too out of hand.”