BROWNWOOD — To put together a three-game win streak entering the playoffs after a 2-5 start this season, the Brownwood Lions had to realize a basic fundamental of football. They had to practice during the week the way they wanted to play on Friday nights.

“We finally realized that we had to take practice more seriously,” Brownwood running back Trent Buffington said after rushing for three touchdowns and a career-best 204 yards Friday night during the Lions’ 44-20 win over the Salado Eagles at Gordon Wood Stadium.

“We finally realized that we had to work harder in practice. Once we figured that out, it has made a huge impact on how we’re playing on Friday night,” Buffington said.

Friday’s win gave Brownwood the No. 3 seed from District 13-4A for the Class 4A Division II playoffs that start next weekend. As the third seed, the Lions (5-5 overall, 3-2 in district) avoided undefeated and state-ranked Wimberley in the opening round of the postseason.