By By SCOTT COOPER – Sports Writer
Plainly and simply stated, the W.S. Neal Blue Eagles need a victory in this week's matchup with the Straughn Tigers to insure they remain in the running for a playoff spot.
The Blue Eagles entered this past Friday night's contest against Calhoun feeling they had to win their final three Region 1 games to avoid being placed in a tie-breaking position in their quest to qualify for postseason play. With a 49-6 win over Calhoun, Neal cleared the first hurdle and now faces the formidable task of defeating the unbeaten Tigers in order to achieve the objective set last week.
Straughn, 7-0 overall and 5-0 in the region, visits Neal on the heels of a 7-0 win over Elba last week. With a 4-3 season record and a 3-2 Region 1 record, the Blue Eagles enter the important game as an underdog. However, Neal head coach Jim Fountain expressed confidence that his team has the tools needed to pull off the much-needed victory.
Straughn has remained undefeated throughout the season playing old-fashioned, power football and is not the type team that attempts to disguise many of its schemes.
Fountain said the Tigers' offensive and defensive sets are pretty basic and reflect their philosophy of playing conservative, straight-forward football.
Fountain said his team is expecting a tough challenge from Straughn, but feels the Blue Eagles have what it takes to emerge victorious.
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. Friday at W.S. Neal Stadium.