Coalfield-Oliver Springs Game Preview

By Greg Addington

The Jackets and Bobcats hook up in the neighborhood grudge match Friday night at D.J. Brittain Field and once again this year, a home first round playoff game hangs in the balance.  There is not a lot of love lost between the two schools, a narrative which has been well documented.

Coalfield had a bye week last week after falling to Greenback two weeks ago 45-20.  Seth Lowe and Haden West scored touchdowns rushing, with West’s score coming as time expired in the game.  Peyton McKinney hit Daniel Schaar with a 25-yard scoring toss.  The Jackets have two intense rivalry games coming up with Oliver Springs providing this week’s competition and also with historic rival Oneida waiting to play next week.

Oliver Springs last week dispatched Oakdale by a final score of 45-0.  The Bobcats scored early and often, getting first quarter scores from Landon White, a pick-six from Blake Crass and a Gavin Hill touchdown.  Coach Larry Green’s squad runs most offensive sets out of the spread, but will also show some Wildcat formation at times.  Senior Blake Crass runs the offense from the quarterback position.  Trey Boswell, Brandon Nation, Gavin Hill and Landon White are all capable running backs.  Oliver Springs likes to run the ball, but both Landon Galyon and Baily Russell are threats in the passing game.  Defensively, the Bobcats will line up in a 3-4 with Russell, Hill, Boswell and Lane Lee at linebacker behind a line fronted by sophomore Jacob Jones, who can be very disruptive from his nose guard position and is among East Tennessee leaders in sacks and tackles for loss.

The Yellow Jackets face the Bobcats on Friday night down at D.J. Brittain Field in Oliver Springs.  Kickoff is set for 7:30pm.