Dragons step into region play this week
Mavs take the long road to Chattanooga Howard
Clinton travels to Powell to face off against the Panthers in a region game. Powell is currently ranked 13th in the state. Clinton is returning from a loss to Meigs County, putting them at 0-4 for the season, while Powell is currently undefeated.
Clinton last year went 4-7 and 3-3 in their district, while Powell went 4-6 overall and 2-4 within their district after being forced to forfeit four of their games due to an ineligible player. Powell is the predicted favorite of the game.
Randy McKamey, the head coach for Clinton, said that they’re excited for the game despite the stats.
“The 4 teams we’ve played have a combined record of 15-1. Our schedule is brutal. We are still a young team, on both sides of the ball, and Powell is a great team - lots of speed, lots of size. We’ll have our hands full, but our kids have never quit in any game. We’re excited for the challenge. And besides, there’s nothing like being the underdog.”
McKamey noted it will be the second week in a row the Dragons have faced team with a huge line.
“They (Powell) are a lot like Meigs County — they’re very big up front,” he said. “Powell is quicker on the outside, but I’m sure they will line up and try to run right at us.”
Anderson County travels to Howard Tech this Friday for a non-conference game. The game is a non-conference game, with Anderson County favored.
Currently, Anderson County is ranked 36 in the state coming off their upset win against South Doyle last Friday. Their record this season is 5-1. Howard Tech, meanwhile, is ranked 129, and ranked 3-1. Howard Tech is currently at the front of a 3-game win streak against Brainerd, Middle Tennessee Christian, and Tyner Academy.
Overall, Howard Tech went 5-5 last year, while AC went 12-1.
Coach Davey Gillum said AC is excited for the game.
“They’re one of the top teams in our district. Very athletic and chaotic, so it’ll give us a chance to improve on some other things going into the game. They’ll probably be in the top three competing for the championship this year, along with us and Hamilton.”
Gillum said he’s happy with where the team is and how they’ve progressed over the season.
“I like where we are. We’re showing improvement every week and gaining confidence. One of the biggest problems you struggle with with a lot of the younger players is there’s no way to give them confidence. Hard work does a lot, but they have to get out on the field and have some success and that’s how you get true confidence. The more we play, the more confident they get, and they’re starting to see that the sky is the limit for this team if they work hard.”