CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Despite Montgomery Central (7-1, 5-1) suffering their first loss of the season, one thing is for certain: The Indians will get to play at least one game in the playoffs.
The question now becomes where will they play, and that hinges on their final two games of the season. After a 37-7 loss to Tullahoma right before our local schools went on fall break, the Indians are left with two tough opponents in their final two weeks of the regular season. This week, their opponent is Marshall County (6-2, 4-2).
Marshall County only has two losses on the season which includes Tullahoma and Pearl Cohn, who just happen to be the Indians’ final opponent of the 2021 regular season. All four teams are playoff bound, and ultimately a win for the Indians in this week or next could push them to a two or three seed in the playoffs. But a loss would keep them in the 4th spot from their region.
“It’s definitely for seeding purposes,” said Indians head coach Jeff Tomlinson about Friday’s game. “We might be in the four seed, but no one wants to be the team that goes and travels to Hardin County, one of the better teams in the state from out in Jackson.”
The opposition
Central will have to keep relying on their defense this week as they take on a tough Marshall County team that will pack a punch on offense.
In regards to the talent that the Indians will see, Tomlinson said, “they are definitely blessed with a lot of team speed, they are very well coached, and they utilize that team speed very well. They are good. They are explosive on offense. We’ve got to be able to slow them down and make them drive the length of the field.”
Offensively the Indians will look to continue their usual game plan of running the ball and win the battle of time of possession.
No place like home
Another added benefit of this game is the Indians will be at home where they are still unbeaten this season. Coach Tomlinson is hoping that this advantage is in full force on Friday night.
“I absolutely love our home games. Our student section has come out of the wood works this season, they are everywhere. They’re loud and crazy and it makes for a great atmosphere,” commented Tomlinson about the home fans.
The game
Friday night will be a true test for this Montgomery Central team. It will be a chance to silence any doubt about how good this team can actually be and if they are able to hang with one of the “Big 3” in Class 4A, Region 5. A win will move them up in the seeding for the region and inch them even closer to a chance at possibly hosting a playoff game. Kickoff for our game of the week will be at 7 p.m. from Montgomery Central High School.
Catch the game live on ESPN Clarksville online, or on-air 104.1 FM/540 AM, and listen to the full interviews with the coaches starting at 6 p.m. Thursday on Sports Night Clarksville, also on ESPN Clarksville.