Getting the No. 6 seed for the WPIAL Class AA football playoffs despite winning the Allegheny Conference championship was something Freeport coach John Gaillot expected.

Preventing that in the future is something the Yellowjackets, who were the lowest-seeded conference champion, can only do one way.

Winning playoff games.

Freeport’s first chance to do so will come against 11th-seeded McGuffey, which placed third in the Interstate Conference, at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Swartz Field.

“In the past, we haven’t done well in the playoffs because of the seeding or whatever,” Gaillot said. “The only way to get respect is to win ballgames and show people we can compete. (Freeport’s seed) wasn’t disappointing. We’re happy to be in there.”

The Yellowjackets, who are back in the playoffs following a two-year absence, lost in the first round in 2011 and 2012. The Highlanders, who finished 6-3, are also looking to make a statement.

McGuffey has only made the playoffs four times in the last 20 years, including a first-round exit last season. This season, the Highlanders dropped several close battles in conference, losing 30-23 in overtime to Mt. Pleasant and 20-14 to Derry.

“We’ve had some good games to get ready,” Highlanders coach Ed Dalton said. “This isn’t our first trip. We’ve been 7-2, 6-3 for a few years now. I think we’re ready to try and advance in the playoffs.”

Moving on for McGuffey will rely heavily on dual-threat quarterback Marcus Czulewicz. He has passed for 1,014 yards and thrown for 14 touchdowns in addition to rushing for 672 yards. Running back Adam Townsend leads the Highlanders in rushing with 672 yards, while Shaun Saunders and Joey Townsend both have over 200 yards receiving.

“Their quarterback is mobile and he can throw well,” Gaillot said. “The running back is a hard runner, too. They are a well-coached team.”

Freeport’s defense has allowed 14.2 points per game and forced 16 turnovers. McGuffey’s defense, which has conceded 18.7 points per game, will also be in for a challenge.

The Yellowjackets are led by senior quarterback Ryan Weigold, who has thrown for 1,695 yards along with 21 touchdowns and only one interception. Running back Ian Miller leads the team with 904 rushing yards and 11 scores.

“They throw the ball well, they run the ball efficiently,” Dalton said. “They have a lot of explosive plays in the two videos we’ve seen so far. … I took a look at the Steel Valley video and tried to garner a little bit from that. They are a good football team worthy of the sixth seed or better.”

Freeport will also be hosting its final game at Swartz Field, where the Yellowjackets have played since 1940. They are hoping a win in the final game will give them closure and possibly raise some eyebrows around the WPIAL.

“I think we’re very focused,” Gaillot said. “We still think we can do great things. We had a good practice (Tuesday) and need to continue doing what we do.”