Teams aim to improve win-loss records
By Bart Moss for the FCT
Phil Campbell at Sheffield
Last year: Sheffield won 35-27
Record: 1-2 (0-1)
Coach Ryan Swinney: “Sheffield is a very talented team. They are very athletic all the way around. We will have to play our very best. We have to find a way to move the ball and keep our offense on the field and sustain drives and score. Defensively, we have to be smart and physical and limit explosive plays on their part.”
Tharptown hosts Hackleburg
Last year: Hackleburg won 40-14
Record: 1-2 (1-0)
Coach Kevin Lacey: “Hackleburg will be good as always. They have a great tradition. They are always one of the top teams in our region, and this year will be no different. We have to play a mistake-free game and create some opportunities.Unlike Shoals Christian, Hackleburg will spread it out to run and throw, so we will have to have good defensive preparation this week.”
Red Bay hosts Hatton
Last year: Red Bay won 30-7
Record: 1-2 (0-1)
Coach Michael Jackson: “Hatton plays us great every year. They really get hyped for us. This year will be no different. It is a great rivalry. It will be a hard-fought game. Our guys are excited because we get to play at home. We have played six straight regular season road games dating back to last year. We are ready to play in front of our home folks.
“Hatton does a good job of running the football. They have a solid power run game that will be a challenge for us. We have to take care of our miscues and hold on to the football.”
Vina at Phillips
Last year: Phillips won 24-8
Record: 0-3 (0-1)
Coach Jason Harris: “Phillips will be physical up front on both sides of the football. They have a very good defense, and their linebackers run to the ball well. They have a solid offensive line. Their tailback is fast and runs very hard. We have to play a solid game and eliminate our mistakes. If we can stop shooting ourselves in the foot, I think we can have a good game.”
Russellville hosts Lawrence County
Last year: Russellville won 43-27
Record: 0-2 (0-1)
Coach Mark Heaton: “Lawrence County is a physical football team. They are very scrappy, as in years past. They are replacing a lot of starters from last year, much like us. Defensively the last couple of weeks, our kids have done a great job forcing punts the first couple of series. We have got to produce points offensively when they do that to give ourselves a chance. We are not playing self-disciplined football consistently enough to win at this point. We need more guys focusing on the little things and we will improve. This is a crucial region game for our team.”
