TIFTON — The wait is over for Tift County fans.

Tonight at 7:30 p.m., they square off with Lowndes at Brodie Field. It is the opening of the Region 1-AAAAAAA schedule and even more both teams are undefeated at 7-0.

The game has been anticipated for weeks by area fans. Tickets have moved quickly and has even picked up much out-of-town interest. It is the first time the teams have faced each other this deep into a season when both had undefeated records.

On paper, the Vikings have been incredible, averaging 55 points per game while giving up only seven. In their last tune-up before the region slate last Friday, Lowndes defeated invading Mount Zion of Jonesboro, 68-7.

Lowndes’ statistics are amazing. What makes them tick?

“Superb athletes,” said Tift head coach Ashley Anders. “They are loaded.”

The Vikings were a 10-3 squad last season, advancing to the quarterfinals of the state tournament. Lowndes returned many familiar names: quarterback Michael Barrett, wide receiver/cornerback Tayvonn Kyle and running back Travis Tisdale.

But the Vikings struggled at times on defense, giving up nearly 26 points per defense. They surrendered 61 points against Hillgrove in a playoff game last year, being bailed out by an offense that scored 92 points.

That has undergone a change.

“Their major improvement is on defense,” Anders said.

MaxPreps statistics credit the Vikings defense with 15 interceptions, eight returned for touchdowns. They have recorded three safeties.

“Their defensive line,” he said, “is not only big but very athletic.”

“They play really well.”

Barrett, of course, leads the offense.

Listed at 6’0” and 220 pounds, Barrett is getting attention nationally. One recruiting website, 247 Sports, credits him with offers from Michigan, South Carolina, Louisiana State and Georgia Tech.

Barrett’s 2017 statistics are not overly flashy, 58-of-85 passing for 946 yards and nine touchdowns and 537 rushing yards, also with nine touchdowns. Barrett, however, has an extremely talented cast around him and with Lowndes’ blowout victories, he has not had to see extended action in many contests.

Kyle leads the receiving corps with 403 yards and five touchdowns. Tisdale has rushed for 244 yards and has 251 receiving yards.

Another name has grabbed Anders’ attention.

Marcus Gary, a 205-pound senior running back, has few stats, but Anders said he was a key player for the Vikings, an unsung hero of sorts.

If the offensive and defensive units for the Vikings were not scary enough, special teams has come through with three kickoff return touchdowns.

“They’re so fast,” he said.

Keeping Lowndes out of the end zone will be a major undertaking.

Lowndes took an early lead on Tift in 2016’s contest en route to a 45-24 victory. Griffin Collier threw for nearly 400 yards and the Devils only trailed 21-17 at halftime, but the Vikings scored 17 points in the third quarter.

Anders said Tift was hurt by big plays in that game. That is on his mind for tonight as well.

“We can’t allow them to have explosive plays,” he said.

The Blue Devils were able to rest weary legs last week after nine straight weeks of games, Soap Bowl, scrimmage and regular season.

Before the bye week, Tift defeated Fitzgerald, 35-14.

Fitzgerald had a 14-3 lead in the second quarter before the Blue Devils closed to 14-13 at intermission. Anders credits Fitzgerald for quickly switching from a spread offense to the Wing T, which took some time for the Tift defense to acclimate to.

After halftime, Fitzgerald did not cross the 50 again.

“I was really pleased with our guys,” he said. Anders credited coaches Mike West, Tommy Flowers and Travis Ellington for the defensive adjustments.

Region continues next week with a road trip to Colquitt County. Colquitt, equally dangerous at 6-1, travels to Camden County (3-3) tonight.