Week 2 Football Wrap-up

By Terry Futrell – August 26, 2018

Week 2 of the 2018 football season is now in the books giving us a much better picture of what lies ahead for Morgan County teams.

Oakdale vs Jellico

After their disappointing Week 1 22-0 loss to Pickett County when nothing seemed to work, the Oakdale Eagles quickly turned the tide and put Jellico away 12-8. The Eagles went through a marvelous transformation and turned into a real football team in just one week. Execution was much better – the Eagles tackled effectively and showed signs of a real passing attack. Most important of all, the Eagles showed some real team chemistry, which has to make Coach J.R. Voyles really proud of these young men. These vast improvements will be put to the test next week when undefeated Midway comes to Hollis Eble field.

Coalfield vs York Institute

Everyone expected a physically tough game when York Institute came to Coalfield Friday night, but who could have predicted that the Yellow Jackets would walk away without scoring in the game that was won by York 21-0. One has to go all the way back to October 24, 2014 to find a scoreless game for the Yellow Jackets. On that date, the Jackets lost to Notre Dame 40-0. Holding a tough Class 3A team like York to 21 points is quite an accomplishment for the Yellow Jacket defense, but it appears that Coach Keith Henry and Offensive Coordinator Jason Wilson have their work cut out for them as they prepare for undefeated Harriman next week.

Wartburg at Harriman

After going scoreless against Coalfield in Week 1, the Bulldogs found some offense against the Blue Devils, but it was not enough as Harriman put Wartburg away 54-14. The Bulldogs have now been outscored 103-14 in their first two games. Injuries to key offensive players, especially quarterback Tyler Davis, have taken their toll on the Bulldogs. And, it doesn’t get any easier as the Bulldogs face undefeated Oneida at home next Friday in their first conference matchup.

Sunbright

Sunbright had a night off after their Week 1 game against Sale Creek was cancelled due to lightning. Hopefully, Coach Joe Kent was able to use the time effectively because the Tigers face their toughest foe of the season next Friday when undefeated, top-ranked Greenback comes to call.

Closing Thoughts

The first two weeks of the season were rough for Morgan County teams, but with respect to 2018 season playoffs, all four County teams start with a clean slate on August 31 as they play their first conference games. In Region 2 Class 1A, Coalfield and Greenback have been dominant for the past few years. However, Harriman, Oliver Springs, and Midway are all undefeated after two games and have shown that they will be real contenders as conference play begins. Over in Region 2 Class 2A, Wartburg faces tough competition as Rockwood is the only other team that has lost a game this season.