More Playoff Previews

3A
Lauderdale County Tigers vs Glencoe Yellow Jackets

Tiger defense punishes opponents!

The last time these two teams met many of the players parents weren't even in school yet.  Glencoe defeated LCHS 25-22 in 1973.  How much does that have to do with 2011.  None.  But the last six weeks have a lot to do with the outcome.  In the past six weeks the Tigers have given up a total of 9 points.  Three of the opponents were playoff teams.  During that span they have scored 221 points.  Can't imagine anyone statewide dominating teams like that over a similar period of time.  The Tigers defense is overpowering.  It is not just that they dont give up points....they dont allow yards either.  The offense is just as overpowering with three runners consistently closing in if not surpassing 100 yards each night.  The offensive line gets a push and the skilled players follow wisely.  Samuel Grisham makes great reads as to who needs the ball and is obviously more than capable of keeping it and hurting defenses himself.  So what about Glencoe?  They bring a 9-2 record into the game and they too have dominated opponents since October began.  No losses during that period and have limited the opposition to no more than 10 points in a gmae during that stretch.  They have outscored opponents on average by a score of 26-11 this season. But, it is doubtful that they have played anyone as strong as the Tigers since the game with Piedmont (which they lost 28-17).  Competing with Piedmont is a sign that they are for real; however, in the 1973 matchup the Yellow Jackets went on to win the state championship.  Who knows - this years winner may do the same.  Advantage - Lauderdale County Tigers by 4

Sheffield will need its runners to
 break free Friday Night!

Sheffield Bulldogs at Piedmont Bulldogs

The boys from Sheffield will face their toughest challenge to date this Friday Night.  The Bulldogs from Piedmont bring a perfect record into the game.  They score 40+ points per game and allow just over 11 points per game.  In 2009 this school won the state championship.  Several current players were part of that team.   The Piedmont community has not seen many losses inthe past few years and expectations are sky high.  They have been ranked #1 in the state since Week 3.  Rankings don't win games but only very high quality teams get ranked that high.  This team is not happy to be in the second round.  They expect another championship.  Sheffield is on their way up.  No doubt.  They are experiencing success like hasn't been seen in a decade in this community.  The Sheffield Bulldogs bring an incredibly talented and physical defense into the game as well as an electric running game.  It will make for a game that is probably tougher than either team has played all season.  It wold be great if Sheffield pulls the upset.  It could happen.  But if forced to make a pick one would have to say that the Advantage goes to Piedmont - but not by much. 

Rogers Pirates at Saks Wildcats

It is a long drive to Anniston, Alabama from Greenhill.  Don't count on any of the Pirates players or coaches minding too much.  Better to travel than be sitting at home.  After a tiebreaking 3rd place finish the Hamilton Aggies posed a tough challenge.  One 35-21 win later the Pirates have gained some of the swagger they had from earlier in the season.  This is a defense that has only allowed 15 ppg this season and has been able to put almost 35 ppg on the board.  This is an experienced team that is well coached.  The expectations are high in Greenhill and the Pirates might just get to play another week.  Saks is 1-3 in the last 4 games.  They limped into the playoffs on a 3 game losing skid.  The defense starting giving up points and the scoring was limited as they were completely shut out in week 10.  They too know about tiebreakers as they were in a three way tie for 2nd in the region.  They too lost out.  They ended up fourth but apparently got things back on track last week as they knocked off #1 seeded Sardis 34-14.  It will be a challenge - but if the Pirates play as they have many times this season they will survive - Advantage - Rogers Pirates by 2