By BY BRUCE HIXON – SPORTS EDITOR
While some questions about the T.R. Miller Tigers and W.S. Neal Blue Eagles have been answered in the first half of the football season, many more remain unanswered.
T.R. Miller obviously has to like its current position, 5-0 overall and 3-0 in Class 4A Region 1.
W.S. Neal's situation is a bit more precarious. While the Blue Eagles stand 3-2 overall, their 1-2 region mark has them on thin ice in terms of a postseason berth.
Just how good are the Tigers and Blue Eagles? T.R. Miller's 5-0 record has come against teams with a combined 9-16 record. W.S. Neal's three wins have come against teams with a combined 4-11 record.
The Tigers face a tough second half schedule, as four of their final five opponents (Thomasville, Jackson, W.S. Neal and Trinity) have winning records and a combined 15-5 record.
W.S. Neal's schedule is more favorable, as its final five foes (Monroe County, Hillcrest, Jackson, T.R. Miller and Calhoun) have a combined 10-15 record. Throw out T.R. Miller's 5-0 mark and W.S. Neal's other four opponents have a combined 5-15 record.
T.R. Miller coach Jamie Riggs feels his team deserves two grades for its first half play.
Riggs said the most unproven part of his team is whether or not it can stop the run.
W.S. Neal coach Blaine Hathcock said his team's offense has been up and down, which is probably reflected in the fact the Blue Eagles have alternated wins and losses through the first five weeks.
In their three wins, the Blue Eagles rushed for 272 yards against Daleville, 258 against Southside-Selma and 424 against Opp.
In its two losses, W.S. Neal had just 69 yards rushing against Escambia County and 70 against Thomasville. The Blue Eagles committed 10 turnovers in those two losses.
W.S. Neal's defense has also had its ups and downs.