CANTON - It’s do or die Saturday night for the Huntington Heroes.

A heartbreaking 3-point loss to the Columbus Lions last weekend put a hold on the Heroes punching their ticket into the American Indoor Football Association playoffs.

Down by as many as 24 points, the Heroes climbed back into the game to cut the deficit to three. However, Columbus was able to preserve the win.

“It was a tough loss. A couple plays on special teams really hurt us,” said Heroes head coach Paul Blankenship. “I can’t complain too much about how our team played. They never gave up.”

This week, the Heroes must now travel to Canton to take on the Canton Legends in their final regular season game at the Canton Civic Center.

While Canton comes into this game with a 2-10 record, Blankenship still knows the Legends are a very dangerous team.

“(Head coach) Bobby Olive is a very good coach,” said Blankenship. “He’s won a title before. He’ll have his team ready to play.”

Earlier this season the Heroes finally got their first win against the Legends as they routed them 49-6 in Huntington.

Huntington (6-7) has never won in Canton. The last game played in Canton saw the Heroes fall 76-43 in the opening round of the AIFA playoffs last year.

“We hopefully can get off to a good start early. I’m confident that we can this week,” said Blankenship.”

Heroes quarterback Darnell Kennedy looks to build upon his performance last week. Kennedy threw for 246 yards and seven touchdowns in the loss last weekend.

His go-to receiver Octavius Day will also look for a big game. Day had 127 yards receiving and hauled in two touchdown catches.