This year counts for Delta Charter School.

For the first time in school, the Storm are eligible for LHSAA postseason play, and Delta Charter begins its march Thursday night at Lake Charles College Prep.

“I’m excited,” first-year Delta Charter coach Zach Rogel said. “There’s nothing like a game day … as a coach that’s always a special feeling, and I never take it for granted.”

DCS played its jamboree contest last week at Sicily Island against the Tigers and Block. Rogel said the preseason scrimmage served as a strong table setter for the season to come.

“With jamborees, you can go and work some kinks out, but then you throw special teams in the mix that haven’t been tested in game speed,” he said, “and we think our special teams are going to be a difference maker.”

Lake Charles is entering its second year as a football program, and Rogel said the Blazers have the makings of a strong team.

“They’re a squad of 50-plus with athletes across the board,” Rogel said. “They’re line averages 6-foot-3, 260 pounds, and they’re a legit squad.”

Rogel said the key to Thursday’s showdown will come down to his squad eliminating the mistakes and winning the turnover battle.

“We’re going in with the mindset of winning each quarter,” he said.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Thursday.