October 14, 2006 11:28 pm
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By Justin Graves
justin@athensnews-courier.com
CAPSHAW – After East Limestone defeated Ardmore 28-6 Friday night, Indians’ coach Jeff Pugh took time a little time to celebrate with his team, but then quickly turned his focus to next week’s game against Madison County.
By beating Ardmore (5-2,3-1), East Limestone (4-3,4-1) has almost ensured itself of a playoff berth. But Pugh doesn’t want to just get into the playoffs, he wants to make sure the Indians play their first postseason game this year at Cavnar Field.
“I think we have the players to make a run,” Pugh said. “But we still have to get past a good Madison County team first.”
After suffering a heartbreaking 28-27 loss to Tanner in week five, East Limestone regrouped and began playing solid football. The Indians lost to No. 4-ranked North Jackson last week, but still played one of their best games of the season despite missing standout junior running back Jonathan Pinque.
Pinque returned to play against Ardmore and helped the Indians control the time-of-possession in the second half with his hard running style. He scored two touchdowns in the second half.
“It felt good to be back,” Pinque said. “But it felt even better to win. Our offensive line gave me and Derrick (Malone) plenty of room to run all night.’
Pugh said he was proud of the effort he got from his team Friday night, but was quick to note the Indians will need the same type of effort next week.
Running the table
With only two region games remaining, Clements is in position to do something the Colts haven’t managed to do since 1991 – secure a playoff berth.
The even more spectacular part is if Clements (3-4,3-2) wins its final two region games with Lexington (3-4,2-3) and West Limestone (1-6,0-5) and Colbert County defeats Colbert Heights (6-1,4-1), then the Colts will take the No. 2 seed in Class 3A, Region 8 and play the first playoff game at home.
“We have two more huge regions games remaining,” Clements coach Forrest Williams said.
With such high implications on the line, this week’s game with Lexington is even that much more crucial for Clements.
“This game with Lexington is pretty big,” Williams said. “It will play a big part in how the playoff picture turns out.”
Mid-season obstacles
Athens rolled through the first half of the season blowing past every opponent on its schedule.
But after two close losses to top 10 teams – No. 1 Russellville and No. 8 Hartselle – in as many weeks, the Golden Eagles now find themselves fighting for a No. 3 seed instead of challenging for the Class 5A, Region 8 crown.
Athens still has region games remaining with Brewer and J.O. Johnson.
The Golden Eagles need to win both of those games to ensure themselves of a No. 3 seed.
If Athens fails, then the Golden Eagles could find themselves playing at No. 2-ranked Briarwood in the first round of the playoffs.
Still in position
Despite falling to East Limestone Friday night, Ardmore is still in position to clench its first Class 4A playoff berth since the 2004 season.
If the Tigers plan to make their playoff dreams become a reality, they have to bounce back quick to get ready to play a good Priceville team.
If Ardmore defeats Priceville Friday night, then the Tigers will secure a playoff berth in Region 7.
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