From the
Upper Deck
Rebels Right
The Ship
By Jim Steele
steele@mckenziebanner.com |
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McKenzie's 32-6 victory at Chester County last Friday
night proved several things.First, it showed that the Rebels are indeed a resilient
bunch. They bounced back from a shocking loss and looked
like the Rebels of old.
Second, it beat a quality team on its home field.
Chester County has a solid team and is every bit worthy
of contending for a regional title. Many soothsayers in
this part of the woods say that the Eagles will give
fits to whomever they play from 5-2A in the first round
of the playoffs.
Third, the Rebels got a big lead then let the defense do
the rest. In the second half, McKenzie was more
conservative than Pat Robertson, throwing only eight
times, but doing severe damage with the short time it
had the ball.
It is true that the Rebels held the ball three seconds
longer than it did against Dresden (17:31 of the 48
minutes); they just did more with the time this week.
And don't let the meager numbers in the rushing column
concern you; the Eagles loaded up on the Rebels to
pressure the passer and made running difficult.
This was as solid an all-around effort as McKenzie has
had all season. For the most part, it kept Chester
County out of the red zone, forced three turnovers and
nailed down three sacks.
This was indeed a solid victory for McKenzie, but it's
in the past. The Rebels have their sites set on the Blue
and Gold. But if they are focusing on the wrong blue and
gold, then they are in trouble. McKenzie must travel to
Martin-Westview next. This is an injured animal backed
into a corner. The Chargers are having their worst
season since 1987, when Martin went 2-8 (it beat No.
2-ranked Milan 26-21 in the season finale).
The Chargers have historically done well against
McKenzie. In 1975, the Rebels opened their game against
Westview with Bennie Gaines kickoff return for a
touchdown. Still, the Chargers won 34-7, if memory
serves. In 1981, McKenzie suffered a 28-24
come-from-behind victory. Rebel fans are all too
familiar with what happened in 2001.
If the Rebels are looking ahead to Week 10, then it's
going to be a long night. Rest assured, Charger coach
Don Coady is one of the best and will have his team
prepared. McKenzie must realize that this is another
huge road test. It's time for the Rebels to get into
playoff mode, starting Friday night.
As for my progress, my performance was El Stinko last
week. I was 14-8 for a year-long mark of 143 of 185.
That puts me at a Titanic 77.2 percent for the year.
Here's to this week's fare, and don't forget a gas mask:
McKenzie over Westview: This is a pivotal game for the
Rebels and they should win this game against a young
Charger squad.
Huntingdon over Union City: Ditto the Mustangs. They
face another injured critter in the Tornadoes and it
won't be easy.
West Carroll over South Fulton: This game is going to
boil down to the playmakers.
Chester Co. over Hollow Rock-Bruceton: The Eagles have
too much firepower.
Greenfield over Gleason: The Yellow Jackets take another
step toward post-season play perhaps.
Virginia-Wise over Bethel: Only because it's a long,
long road trip.
Alabama over Tennessee: The miserable, impotent Vols are
in danger of losing five games again this year and it
starts Saturday in Tuscalossa.
Elsewhere, I see:
Trinity over FACS, JCS over Dyer Co., Halls over Lake
Co., USJ over Riverside, Dresden over Camden, Trenton
over Gibson Co., Liberty over Fayette-Ware, South Side
over McNairy, Crockett Co. over Bolivar, Hardin Co. over
Lexington, Millington over Brighton, Obion over
Humboldt, Ripley over Munford, Haywood over Bartlett,
JCM over North Side, Dyersburg over Craigmont.
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