KNOXVILLE (WVLT) -- Don't tell Austin-East that Ooltewah is one of the best teams in the state.

They already know.

And the Road Runners are excited about testing their mettle against one of Tennessee's top squads. The Owls' most dominant player is Jacques Smith, a Tennessee commitment and a terror to most backfields. But Kwayu Graham's team isn't intimidated.

"We're going into this game to win," Graham said. "Games like this are still about tackling, running, execution, special teams and things like that. We have great athletes on both sides of the ball, just as they do."

Graham has reason to be confident. The Runners outlasted Morristown East Saturday for a season-opening 26-21 win. Graham believes the best way to prepare his team for big games is to introduce his players to fast-paced matchups early in the season.

"We play teams like Ooltewah to get ready for the postseason," Graham said. "People ask, 'Why think about postseason now?'

"We've been used to making it, and we know what kind of team we have to face to win the prize."