CUNNINGHAM, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – Montgomery Central (1-0) hosts West Creek (1-0) tonight, August 30, as the two teams meet for the first time since 2010 when West Creek came away with a 27-11 victory at home.
Recent history suggests that both teams are vastly different from when they last faced off nearly a decade ago.
Last week, the Indians received contributions from a myriad of players in their 35-14 season-opening win over Sycamore.
Montgomery Central head coach Jeff Tomlinson believes his team can continue to build off their momentum created from such a well-rounded performance to begin the season.
“Last week we did some really good things,” Tomlinson said. “We have to clean up a few things as well, but I’d like to see some consistency out of the defense and just be able to do what we do on offense. Methodically move the ball down the field and not shoot ourselves in the foot.”
West Creek will look to slow down the high-powered rushing attack of the Indians led by Montgomery Central fullback Lakendriez Sanders.
“You have to get all 11 players to the ball and wrap him up,” West Creek head coach James Figueroa said. “Keep him under 100 yards. He is their work horse, so we have to tackle better.”
The Coyotes have numerous playmakers on the offensive side of the ball and Tomlinson understands the difficulties that this particular West Creek team can present week in and week out for defensive coordinators.
“They have a lot of it, but we just have to contain their speed,” Tomlinson said. “If we can do that and force them to drive the length of the field, it’ll make it difficult on them to score. We know that they’re going to have big plays because of their explosiveness, but we have to minimize those as much as possible. Make them earn their touchdowns.”
However, Tomlinson still hasn’t strayed far from his usual game plan this week in practice, keying more on what his team needs to do rather than hone in on what the strengths of the opposition are.
“We’re just focused on getting ourselves better,” Tomlinson said. “We’ve been working on our technique and making sure we clean up the things that we didn’t do right last Friday. There are a few things that you do prepare differently from week to week because of matchup situations, but in reality, it’s just a same regular old preparation week.”
When it comes to how the game could ultimately be decided, Figueroa knows his team has to limit turnovers and be sure tacklers on the defensive side of the ball in order to play spoiler.
“Keep Central off the field and own time of possession,” Figueroa said on his team’s keys to success. “We must take care of the football and not make mental mistakes. Play assignment football versus the triple option. We also have to use our speed versus their size and get our playmakers in space.”
Figueroa discussed his team’s preparation for Friday night’s contest and their current mentality as they travel to one of the more unique football venues in the area, “up on The Hill.”
“Let them have fun and play loose,” Figueroa said of. “Not get caught up in all the hype. I think if we play together as 11 brothers on offense, defense and special teams, it will be a great football game Friday night.”