GLADSTONE — There’s something comforting about any amount of normalcy with the current atmosphere, so it makes sense the Gladstone football team is just happy to be able to keep playing football.

The Braves will host their first playoff game in over a decade against Negaunee today.

“I think it’s a rally point for our community right now,” Braves coach Jeff Hansen said. “It’s something positive for the community to talk about and get talked about. I can’t go anywhere in town without someone asking me about it, so they’re already excited. It’s making everyone feel better at a time when it’s chaotic for a lot of folks. Just the amount of positivity it can bring the community and schools is huge.

“We’re just really looking forward to it, and we just feel blessed we’re a part of the postseason and have the opportunity to make a run.”

Thanks to the existence of COVID-19 and its knock-on effects, preparing for the playoffs this season has been different than previous years.

“(Preparing for the playoffs) has kind of followed the theme of the whole season,” Hansen said. “Things are condensed, and we have to be ready for anything. We just see this as something that’s positive.”

Unlike other local teams, the Braves have the benefit of having actually played a game against their opponent.

“(Actually playing your playoff opponent) is tremendously beneficial,” Hansen said. “You’ve seen what they like to do, who their best players are and how you stack up, but I mean, there’s going to be adjustments made. I think we’re both probably different teams than we were in week two. I know that we are for sure. We’ve certainly developed since then.”

Hansen identified two key players’ playoff potential.

“Hunter Potier — he just made All-Region for the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association — he’s one of the best defenders I’ve ever coached,” he said. “From his defensive end position, he just collapses an entire side of the offense. Escanaba did it last week, they just tried to run away from him. Any time a player like that has an impact on what the opponent wants to do, that’s a tremendous advantage to have. He does that for us defensively.

“Offensively, Cameron Ballard — he also made All-Region from the MHSFCA — he’s really turned in a solid season when it comes to catching the ball, yards after the catch and touchdowns. I think those two players are really going to help us out.”

As far as playoff strategies, Hansen and the Braves will continue with the strategy they’ve been using all season.

“We’re just going to line up and go with our game plan every week,” he said. “We’re going to try to be a balanced attack and just execute as much as possible during big play moments. Really, we’re just going to focus on what we do and be ourselves. We’ll be lining up our best 11 and letting it rip.”

Hansen also felt the playoffs had a positive impact on the team and community.

“I think postseason play for us — right now — is a blessing,” he said. “That we get to host a playoff game in Gladstone is something that hasn’t happened in 12 years, so everyone’s really excited. It’s all positive vibes right now, for sure. The kids are looking forward to the opportunity.”