FREEPORT — The goal is the same. The opponent doesn't matter.

“We want to jump out early on every team we play,” Freeport coach John Gaillot said. “That's a big part of these games.

“You can tell a lot by looking at the other team's body language. If you can get a dejected look right away ... it's nice to get that upper hand.”

The Yellowjackets (5-4), finishing second in the Allegheny Conference, play host to Ambridge (2-8) in a first-round WPIAL Class 3A football playoff matchup at 7 p.m. Friday.

Freeport is the No. 5 seed in the 3A tournament, Ambridge the No. 12 and bottom seed.

It will mark the first playoff game in Freeport's new on-campus stadium.

“That's a big deal to our kids. We're excited about that,” Gaillot said.

Freeport and Ambridge have not played each other in football before. The Bridgers were 1-44 over the previous five seasons — scoring more than 10 points in a game only four times during that stretch — and are in the playoffs for the first time since 2015.

Ambridge has not won a playoff game since 2004, the program's last winning season. Former longtime Aliquippa assistant Sherman McBride is in his first year as Ambridge coach.

“We watch them on film and you can see the improvement in that team from week to week,” Gaillot said. “They make fewer mistakes with each game.

“That program is going to be something to deal with. Coach McBride is making a difference. You can see it already.”

The Bridgers average only 11 points per game and give up an average of 32.4 per contest. But they've scored more than 10 points four times this season and made the playoffs out of the Northwestern Six Conference by wins of 35-9 over Hopewell and 35-12 over Quaker Valley.

“It's a new season. Everybody is 0-0 and anything can happen. That's our mind-set,” McBride said. “We're coming up there to play a good game.”

Gaillot admitted one of his tasks this week is making sure the Yellowjackets don't take their opponent lightly.

“Absolutely,” he cautioned. “That team has ability and they can break off big plays.”

D'Saun Harmon is a 6-foot-3 senior wide receiver who leads the Bridgers in touchdowns and “can really jump and go get the football,” Gaillot said.

Deavn Ivory is a junior quarterback who was moved to that position this year.

“He is an athlete playing quarterback,” McBride said of Ivory. “We saw what kind of arm he had and moved him to that role. He's doing a nice job for us.”

Sedrick Seymour is the Bridgers' top running back while Ben Cokrlic is the starting fullback. Two freshmen — linebacker Blaize Kolar and middle guard Stacey Jones — are the team's leading two tacklers.

“We're babies,” McBride said. “Only three seniors start for us. The future here is very bright.”

Much of Freeport's success this season comes from its defense. Inside linebacker Andrew Sullivan has 95 tackles, 26 tackles for loss and 10 quarterback sacks on the year. Fellow inside linebacker Jacksen Reiser has 88 tackles and 11 TFL's.

Outside linebackers Colton Otterman and Parker Lucas have been productive as well, highlighted by Otterman's 17 TFL's and nine quarterback sacks.

“We've had a number of outstanding linebackers come through this program,” Gaillot said. “But as a group of four, these guys really stand out. They've been tremendous.”

Otterman and Lucas both returned interceptions for touchdowns in last week's 35-0 win over Deer Lakes.

Cole Charlton has six QB sacks. Freeport's defense has generated 43 QB sacks, 12 fumble recoveries and 10 interceptions this year.

“High impact, for sure,” Gaillot said in describing his defense.

Freeport has allowed 14 points or fewer in six of its nine games.

Offensively, the Yellowjackets have been struggling for consistency. Ben Lane has settled in at quarterback, throwing for 436 yards and rushing for 511 and eight touchdowns. He's thrown three TD passes and seven interceptions.

“No. 2 (Lane) looks like quite an athlete,” McBride said. “It seems that when they need something done, he's doing it.”

“Our offense has been a work in progress,” Gaillot said. “Ben's passing is getting better. He's an explosive player with the ball in his hands.”

Garrett King has shifted from quarterback to H-back after battling an injury. Brady Stivenson has 19 catches for 212 yards, Vinnie Clark 16 for 187.

Friday's winner travels to Elizabeth Forward for the next round Nov. 12.