After an emotional championship-clinching win last week over Salmen, some might expect the Franklinton Demons to be less motivated for their season finale against non-district foe Walker.

Head coach Shane Smith said he certainly hasn’t noticed an emotional drop-off this week.

“We haven’t seen any of that. Our kids have been consistent all year,” Smith said. “I think that’s why our team has done so well. We haven’t been up and down all year, it’s kind of steady.”

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There’s certainly still plenty to play for in the season’s final week. The Demons are on the verge of a perfect regular season, and could lock up one of the highest seeds in the playoffs.

Smith said this week’s practices have taken a different form than in weeks past, as the Demons haven’t gone out in full pads.

“We wanted to slow down and get back to the basics,” Smith said. “We’ve been banging and going at it pretty hard and heavy for 11 or 12 weeks now, and we thought it was important to get back to the basics and get back to some teaching.”

Smith said the Demons appreciate the physically laid-back week, but at times have been a little overzealous.

“We’ve had to hold the reins sometimes, they’re so used to getting after it,” he said. “Of course, next week we’ll be back in our regular routine.”

The LHSAA’s official power point ratings that determine playoff seeding have not been released, but most online estimates have Franklinton currently in slot No. 1 or 2.

Smith downplayed the importance of seeding.

“It’s very rare to see seeds one versus two in the state championship,” he said. “There are any one of 10 or 12 teams that can win a state championship in any year.

“Getting a top seed is a great reward for doing what you’re supposed to do, but it doesn’t guarantee anything. It means we’ll be the home team, but it doesn’t mean anything else.”

Friday’s opponent, Walker, is 3-6. The Wildcats started 3-0 with wins over Morgan City, Broadmoor and Loranger, but have lost six straight since district play began.

Smith said the Wildcats like to run the football and have some success doing so.

“They run multiple types of I-formation,” Smith said. “They like to keep the clock running and let their offensive line get after you and grind it out. They’ll run it right at you, and throw the ball when they can.”

In addition to a capable offensive line, Smith said the Wildcats have some skilled players including sophomore Avery Moser, senior Dustin Brown and junior Jeremy Porter.

Their listed positions are quarterback, wide receiver and running back, respectively, but Smith said they are each adept at multiple roles.

Defensively, Smith said the Wildcats have mostly utilized a dime package against other spread offenses, but also like to run a 4-3 and have a skilled group of linebackers.

The Demons will be without free safety Jeffrey Abram, who is battling a shoulder injury and it is unclear when he will return.

The position will be filled by Tyson Magee, who had a good game last week against Salmen, Smith said.