While we are six games into the season, this week is basically the halfway point of the season for most teams.
Our local public schools just ended their non-division schedule and will start playing division contests this week.
So here’s an update on our local football teams.
The Tigers stand at 5-0 on the season and are ranked No. 3 in Class 2A. So far, the Tigers have been dominant. Their week two win over Eupora looks better and better every week, especially after the Eagles beat 3A powerhouse Charleston last week.
The Tigers’ skill players have done what they were supposed to do, making big plays and quarterback Tre Hillie has 14 touchdowns, and one interception and is also Newton’s top rushing threat.
But like Union and Lake, Newton is about to get their water tested. The Tigers open up 4-2A play with Scott Central this week, who has been mashing folks. After that, the Tigers have to travel to Philadelphia to take on the top-ranked Tornadoes.
Those are two imposing games but Newton has the skill people to stay with anyone. And while nobody has been able to run at the Tigers yet, rest assured its coming in the coming weeks.
Lake
So far this season, the Hornets have been impressive under first-year coach Tate Hanna and have raced out to a 5-1 record behind a power running game.
The Hornets’ only loss came in the second game of the season against Pelahatchie, losing in the last minute of the game.
Hanna came into the season saying the Hornets were going to be a zone running team. But to his credit, Hanna has gone back in time and went to more of a block down and kick offense, similar to what former coach Jeff Breland ran.
The biggest component of Lake’s success so far has been it’s defensive unit, which has been very stingy so far.
With that said, the Hornets have several challenges in front of them. After opening Division 4-2A play with Union, the Hornets will have an off week before playing Philadelphia, Scott Central and Newton. All three of those final three teams are undefeated and ranked. While the Hornets have improved dramatically, they will have their oil checked in the final three games.
Union
Union’s Brad Breland knew his Yellowjackets were going to be young heading into the season.
And after Elite 11 selection Jevon Williams went out with a season-ending knee injury before playing Newton County, the Jackets are even younger.
At one point, Breland said he had eight freshmen on the field against Newton County.
Here’s two things that I know for certain. First off, Brad Breland can still coach and the Yellowjackets will get better. They have a rough slate of games ahead of them in Division 2-4A play. The other thing that I know for certain is that I don’t care how good of a coach you are, it’s hard to win with sophomores and freshmen on the field. So while things have been rough for the Jackets, I’m afraid it’s about to get a little rougher.
Newton County
With just three starters returning from last year, Newton County coach Gene Mitchell knew it was going to be a struggle this season and he has been right.
The Cougars managed a 13-0 win against Union for their only win of the season but followed that up with a 30-10 loss to Enterprise.
The Cougars have shown improvement during the season but their inexperience has shown in all phases of the game.
And with a tough 5-4A schedule ahead, there are tough times ahead for the Cougars.
NCA
It’s been an up-and-down season for the Generals so far, who stand at 3-3 on the season.
But let’s look at that record a little closer. NCA’s three wins have been against similar AA teams in Sylva Bay, Carroll and Oak Hill. Of their three losses, two have been to AAA teams in Leake and Winston. Their other loss was to Tri-County, who played for the AA championship last year.
While the Generals have lost two in a row, there are better days ahead. NCA’s other district opponents don’t appear to be very strong and NCA is in the driver’s seat after beating Sylva Bay in week three. Most likely, NCA will win the district and host a first-round playoff game. Don’t be surprised if NCA wins out in the regular season, which would put them at 7-3 on the season and district champs.
Robbie Robertson is sports editor for The Newton County Appeal.
