Game Preview: Muscle Shoals vs Deshler

How can a game mean nothing and yet mean so much all at the same time?   From a playoff perspective it means nothing.  Brackets are set.  Both are #1 seeds and will host opponents from far away.  Nothing will change that.  It would be tempting to rest any ailing players, keep everything vanilla, and just survive the weekend healthy and ready for the playoffs to start.  BUT the game also means everything in terms of bragging rights.  The claim to the best local team.  Pride.  These kids go to church together, grow up in adjacent towns and interact all the time.  Some are former teamates witht the others.  Played mini midgets together.  So many relationships between the two schools.  So many years of the Tigers beating the Trojans.  Last year was the first win for Muscle Shoals after 10 consecutive losses.  Winning back to back years hasn't happened for the Trojans since 1988-89.  The teams are ranked #1 and #2 locally.  They are the #1 and #2 ranked scoring teams in the area.  They have two of the top rushing teams as well as individual rushing leaders.  Deshler has not had a close game all year.  Muscle Shoals lost once to Florence and the rest were lopsided victories.  The one difference statistically is the defese.  The Trojans bring the top rated local defense allowing just over 8 points per game.  The Tigers allow just over 18.  This coupled with a home game for Muscle Shoals could give them the nod, but.....traditions die hard.  Tigers are accustomed to beating the Trojans.  Not this year - Advantage - Muscle Shoals.