Both Central-Phenix City coach Charles Burkett and Dothan coach Jeremy Bynum expected a fight to the finish in the AHSAA Boys Central Regional semifinal matchup on Friday at the Alabama State University Dunn-Oliver Acadome. The coaches were right as the second-ranked Red Devils edged No. 4 Dothan 68-61 to advance to the finals to meet Area 4 rival Auburn on Wednesday at 10:45 a.m. for the right to advance to Birmingham.

It will be the fourth matchup between Central and the Tigers this season.