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Mustangs to play undefeated Roberson here Friday night
Smoky Mountain's football team will have its hands full Friday when undefeated Roberson visits Carr Hooper Stadium/Babe Howell Field for a 7:30 p.m. Mountain Athletic Conference game.
It's the final home game of the season for the Mustangs (1-8, 1-5)
The Rams (8-0, 6-0) have speed to burn on both sides of the ball, but Coach Tim Hawkins is equally impressed by their intangibles.
"They have a chemistry about them," he said. "They get the job done. They run the football very well."
Tailback De'von Mills is a threat to go all the way anytime he touches the ball.
"Everybody in our league has an outstanding tailback, but Mills is a combination of them all," Hawkins said. "Not only does he run hard, but he also has speed and quickness."
Fullback Coti Jackson, a three-year starter, and reserve David McDowell, are also outstanding runners according to Hawkins.
Quarterback Cameron Underwood runs the I offense for Coach Mike Houston's team.
"They don't throw it much, but they can throw it," Hawkins said. "They've not been in a situation where they had to throw it."
Hawkins said Tyler Lance and Michael Pennstrom are standouts along the offensive line. He added that tight end Daquan Thomas is an outstanding blocker.
The Rams use a 44 defense.
SM's Billy Ayers, who missed last week's game with a head injury, is expected to play Friday.
The Mustangs hold a 4-3 edge in the series, but Roberson rolled to a 44-14 win last year as Mills rushed for 145 yards and four touchdowns.
In games against common opponents, Roberson has defeated Asheville (20-10), North Buncombe (48-3), East Henderson (21-7), Tuscola (14-0) and Erwin (52-13). SM lost to Asheville (55-6), North Buncombe (13-12), East Henderson (28-21) and Tuscola (41-14) while defeating Erwin (28-8).
The Rams also have wins over Mountain Heritage (33-7), Reynolds (35-3) and Enka (40-14).
The Mustangs put forth a strong effort but came up short in Friday's 20-17 loss at Franklin.
"We played real hard," Hawkins said. "The effort was as good as we've had all year from a physical standpoint. It came down to a play or two over the course of the game."
SM's last two possessions ended on fumbles.
"The execution on those two plays and some other plays was not what we had hoped for, but you're not going to execute everything perfectly during the game," the coach said.
Singled out for their defense were Dustin Nicholson, Abram Scott, Matt Ogden and Darren McFalls. Nicholson led the team with eight tackles while Scott, Ogden and McFalls all had six.
Scott was also cited for his play at wide receiver, and Hawkins noted quarterback Tyson Crawford had some big plays, including a 47-yard run.
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