The Auburn Tigers are right where they expected to be all along.

After finishing third in Class 7A’s Region 1, the Tigers were forced to go on the road to face a dangerous Baker team. But Auburn used a record-setting performance from senior kicker Towns McGough and a ball-control offense led by sophomore Omar Mabson to win 27-17 over the Hornets.

The Tigers earned a spot in the state quarterfinals against No. 1 Central-Phenix City next week — as expected.

“We get to play Central again … yea,” said Auburn coach Keith Etheredge with a laugh. “But seriously, we want to play the best. We’re playing our best ball of the year at this time, and that’s what you want to be doing.”

Auburn never trailed in the game. After a scoreless first quarter, the Tigers jumped on top on the first play of the second quarter when Mabson raced 29 yards for the score. He added a 15-yard touchdown later in the quarter on the way to a 17-3 halftime lead.

In the first half, Auburn limited Baker quarterback Josh Flowers, a Mississippi State commit, to no completions in nine attempts. The Auburn defense capped the half by intercepting a desperation pass on the last play.

Auburn took complete control of the game on the opening drive of the second half, moving 77 yards in 11 plays. Wildcat quarterback Henry Allen scored the touchdown from 3 yards out to increase the lead to 24-3.

Flowers showed his immense talent in the fourth quarter. First, he hit Auburn commit Bryce Cain on a 45-yard touchdown pass (Cain’s only catch of the night) then he scored on a spectacular 45-yard touchdown run with just 44 second left in the game.

“This certainly hurts now, but we made history several time this season,” said Baker coach Steve Normand. “I couldn’t be more proud of this group.”

Play of the Game: McGough set a single-season state record for most kicks made of more than 50 yards. His fourth make of more than 50 yards breaks the record previously held by current Auburn University kicker Alex McPherson. McGough made a 52-yarder with 22 seconds left in the first half. He actually made the kick three times into a swirling 8 mph wind because of two timeouts called and another stoppage of play by the officials. Each time he nailed the kick with plenty of distance to spare.

By The Numbers: Flowers finished his high school career by displaying his dual-threat ability one last time. He rushed 12 times for 102 yards, while passing for 114 yards. Madson carried the ball 18 times for 173 yards and now 1,157 yards rushing in his sophomore season.

They said it: “We got the win and we’re advancing, which is all that matters,” said Auburn quarterback Jackson Kilgore.

Next week: Auburn will be on the road to face No. 1 Central-Phenix City, a winner over Davidson Friday night. The Tigers lost the regular-season matchup 41-20. Baker doubled its win total from a year ago to finish 8-3.