MOORE’S 4: It’s time for region play
by. Demarco Moore (Manchester Times)
MANCHESTER, Tenn. — It’s week 3 for high school football around the state of Tennessee.
Senior Zach Vaughn (no. 8) caught a touchdown pass last week against Tullahoma. (photo by Demarco Moore)
Coffee County Central High School is coming off a heartbreaking loss to Tullahoma in last Friday’s thrilling Coffee Pot rivalry game, and things don’t get much easier this week, as the Red Raiders begin their Region 3-6A slate on the road against the undefeated Blackman Blaze (2-0).
Before the Red Raiders and Blaze clash in the Boro, here are four things to watch for:
1. Brave the elements
By no means am I a meteorologist (although, getting paid to guess when it’ll rain seems like a good gig), but Friday’s radar is showing a 90-percent chance of rain.
Things could change between now and 7 p.m. tomorrow night, but Coffee County and Blackman could be playing a sloppy game in Murfreesboro, which leads to the second point.
2. Run the ball, rinse and repeat
If rain covers the field before or during kickoff, fans in attendance could be in for an old-school, boring game that features a heavy dose of running.
Ball security will be at a premium for both teams. Coffee County was sloppy with the football in the fourth quarter against Tullahoma, turning the ball over three times and helping the Wildcats overcome what was a 21-point deficit.
The Red Raiders ran for 266 yards — 172 coming from Alontae Taylor — but if they can repeat any of that success against a Blaze team that was voted the No. 2 Class 6A team in the state by the Associated Press, Coffee County stands a chance.
3. Teague and Knox
Friday’s game will be one of many that the Red Raiders have against some of the state’s top talent.
This week features Ohio State University commit Master Teague (running back) and junior wideout Trey Knox, who alongside senior quarterback Connor Mitchell have combined to help the Blaze put up 115 points in their first two games.
Teague has rushed for 342 yards and 4 touchdowns, and should be Blackman’s No. 1 threat to stop on Friday.
4. Last week is last week
The Coffee Pot loss was without a doubt a shot to the gut for the Red Raiders after they had complete control, but that game was last week.
That game was also the second-straight non-region game for Coffee County, which means that it doesn’t hurt as much in terms of the postseason at this point in the season.
The focus should be Blackman, and the Red Raiders will have a long night if they don’t enter Friday’s game focused.
GAMEDAY GUIDE
Who: Coffee County Red Raiders (0-2) at Blackman Blaze (2-0)
When: Friday, Sept. 1
Time: 7 p.m.
Where: The Inferno, 3956 Blaze Dr, Murfreesboro, TN 37128
Reach Demarco Moore at dmoore@manchestertimes.com, and follow him on Twitter @iam__demo
