Wildcats host Flame for homecoming

THARPTOWN — After two weeks of struggles and miscues the Tharptown offense exploded last week to propel the Wildcats to a 44-20 victory against Phillips.

The win moved Tharptown into a tie with Shoals Christian for the fourth spot in the Class 1A, Region 8 standings. The Wildcats and Flame meet this week to break that tie and take a big step towards earning a playoff berth.

Tharptown coach Bill Smith said Shoals Christian is changing they way they do a few things, but is expecting many of the same things he has seen from the Flame the past few seasons.

“They run the ball more than they usually do, but it’s mostly the same,” Smith said.

He said his team has responded well to the victory against Phillips and they are carrying that excitement into practice this week.

The Wildcats changed up the offense a little last week by moving Kelby Hallmark into the quarterback rotation that already included Brandon Cothrum and Jacob Parker. Smith was pleased with how all three of the players produced at that position during the win.

The running game also found its rhythm against the Bears, but Smith is most pleased with the play on the other side of the ball.

“We played great defense for us,” Smith said. “We executed what we planned and it worked out well for us.”

Smith feels the Wildcats match up well with Shoals Christian because the Flame do not have many big players, but he is quick to note the team is well coached and fundamentally sound.

Smith said the team is proud of what it accomplished last week. If they use that to work hard this week, good things could happen for Tharptown.

“If we play well, we will have a shot at them,” Smith said.