Friday Night Lights – August 17
By Terry Futrell
August 16, 2018
In this first week of the 2018 football season, Morgan County fans will be treated to three exciting, highly-competitive games.
Scheduled matchups include:
Coalfield at Wartburg
Class A Region 2 2017 runner-up Coalfield lost 18 seniors, including 15 starters. In spite of the graduation losses, Coalfield returns more than 20 experienced players and has 9 incoming freshmen. The high-scoring Coalfield offense averaged 46.6 points per game in 2017, compared to their opponents 14.4 average. The Yellow Jackets begin the 2018 season with a MaxPreps power rating of 5.6, down slightly from their closing 2017 rating of 11.5. The Yellow Jackets are expected to rely more on the run in 2018 and should present a more balanced offense than in 2017.
The Class 2A Wartburg Central Bulldogs finished the 2017 season with a record of 2-9 in Coach Kevin Human’s first year as head coach, but the Bulldogs showed much improvement throughout the season. The Bulldogs averaged 17 points per game, while their opponents averaged 38.9. Maxpreps.com predicts the Bulldogs are improved with their power rating increasing from -33.6 to -27.9. The Bulldogs are physically stronger in 2018, have a group of talented receivers, and a quarterback who can throw the ball. The dual pass-run threat of the Bulldog offense may test the Yellow Jacket defense.
Power ratings provide some useful information, but they do not consider intrinsic factors such as the impact of emotions on a game. How will the Bulldogs desire for revenge in response to their 70-0 shellacking by the Yellow Jackets in 2017 impact this game? The Bulldogs are certainly much improved, but like the little engine that could, have they developed the confidence to know that they can force the Yellow Jackets to earn every yard gained on John R. Dillon field?
Spirits will be high as these two archrivals meet in a game that can serve as a litmus test for their entire seasons.
Sunbright at Sale Creek
The Class A Sunbright Tigers finished the 2017 season with a 6-5 record, defeating Concord Christian 41-14 in the Careacter Bowl. The Tigers averaged 22.8 points per game, while their opponents averaged 26.9. Maxpreps.com predicts the Tigers will be about the same for the 2018 season with a power rating of -28.8. But, the Tigers are bigger and much stronger in 2018 and just might surprise a few folks.
The Class A Sale Creek Panthers had a 2017 record of 1-9, with an 0-4 league record. The Panthers averaged 11.9 points per game, giving up an average of 37.5 points per game. Maxpreps.com expects the Bobcats to be much the same with a power rating of -52.3.
This season opener should serve as a warmup for the Sunbright Tigers.
Oakdale vs Pickett County
The Class A Oakdale Eagles graduated 10 seniors from the 2017 Eagles team, including their largest and most experienced linemen, as well as their quarterback. But even with these losses, the returning Eagles include several good athletes. Though not huge, they look physically strong and will surely make their presence felt by many opponents. The Eagles finished the 2017 season with a 2-8 record, averaging 16.6 points per game and giving up 39.3 points per game. With a final 2017 MaxPreps power rating of -45.8, the Eagles drop to a beginning 2018 power rating of -50.6.
The Class A Pickett County Bobcats had a 2017 record of 2-8, winning only one game in their region and averaging 19.2 points per game versus their opponents 45.1 points per game. Maxpreps.com expects the Bobcats to be much the same with a power rating of -51.7.
Oakdale and Pickett County appear to be very evenly matched, assuring fans of an exciting evening of football.