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Madison will provide opposition for Smoky Mountain on Friday |
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If Smoky Mountain Coach Cameron Brooks was forced to point to one game as a likely win as he looked at the Mustangs' football schedule in the pre-season, he would have chosen Madison without a doubt.
The teams will kickoff at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Carr Hooper Stadium/Babe Howell Field. The Patriots (0-3) snapped a 31-game losing streak late last year by defeating Mitchell. They opened this season with a 22-20 overtime loss to Cherokee as the Braves ended a 22-game skid. Madison has since been routed by Polk (47-7) and Rosman (51-7). "With these kids, this will be a learning experience," Brooks said. "They know who Madison is. You can't blow smoke at kids. The only team I worry about in a game like this is Smoky Mountain." He said the Mustangs needed to avoid turnovers, penalties and a loss of concentration. "We'll work on execution in practice this week," Brooks said. "We have to be ready regardless of who's coming in." The Patriots run a pro I offense and a 50 defense. The Mustangs (2-1) came from behind in the fourth quarter for the second straight week Friday with a 27-25 victory at Hayesville. They had downed Swain 21-14 the previous week after opening with a 36-21 loss to Owen. "These kids are learning not to quit," Brooks said. "I think they are pretty much fearless. If you beat them, you're going to have to beat them with three zeros showing in the fourth quarter." The coach noted the Mustangs were moving the ball well early Friday as they took a 14-0 lead. The Yellow Jackets completed a long pass to set up their first touchdown and help turn the momentum around. Brooks said that pass was one of the biggest plays of the game. Trent Dillard set a school record with 31 carries while gaining 172 yards and scoring three touchdowns. "He's done a good job of getting himself in shape," Brooks said. "He was a workhorse. He'd be the first one to say the offensive line did a good job. They were more consistent in their blocking." Jake Day led the Mustangs in tackles with 11. "Jake had an excellent game," the coach said. "He came out with a great attitude in practice last week and worked hard to get better." He also singled out Tony Belcher and Joseph Ensley. Brooks noted Ensley put good pressure on Hayesville quarterback Eric Wimpey. Max Saunooke continues to be listed as questionable with a knee injury. Allen Sutton, who sustained a broken jaw against Swain, had surgery and is out indefinitely. |
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