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Towson Tigers Hope To Earn Their Stripes In Football Quarterfinals

TOWSON, Md. (WJZ) -- The Towson Tigers are on top. The football team is on its way to Illinois to take on the Eastern Illinois Panthers in the college football subdivision playoffs.

Jessica Kartalija has more on the excitement.

The number seven seeded Tigers got quite the sendoff Thursday morning, as fans came out to show their support as the team headed out of town.

All their bags are packed. They're ready to go.

"Towson football's going to the quarterfinals," Adam Vargas said.

Towson won their first football playoff game in 29 years.

"It's the first time we won a game in the FCS playoffs. So there's definitely a lot of people backing us and hoping things go well," Vargas said.

Towson football fans are showing their team spirit.

"We just want to show our support to Towson football," said Wendy Weaver.

"It is so special. We are absolutely so proud of these young men. They are such fine people on the field and off the field," said Maravene Loeschke, Towson University President.

The Tigers play the quarterfinal game Friday night in Charleston, Ill. against number two seed Eastern Illinois.

"We had a pretty good week. We got a great practice in. Coaches, they prepared us very well," one player said.

"It's the best week of practice we've ever had and we are excited to get on the bus and go do what we do," said head coach Rob Ambrose. "Ten in a row on the road. Let's make it 11."

"We got this far. We know we've got a whole lot further to go to reach our full potential. And we're going to do it," said Eric Pike.

Offensive tackle Eric Pike says it won't be an easy fight, but the Tigers are in it to win it.

"Offense, defense and special teams. It's going to take all three phases of the game to win this ballgame," Pike said.

After a kiss for grandma, they hop on the bus and they're off.

Ambrose says the winning season has certainly put Towson on the map. This is also the first time the two teams have ever played each other.

Game time is Friday night at 8 p.m. Eastern Time.

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