By By Adam Robinson
sports editor
Two teams with identical region records fighting for the same goal — a win to stay alive in the region for a shot at making the playoffs.
That is what W.S. Neal and Hillcrest will be trying to do when they square off against each other this Friday night at Hillcrest.
W.S. Neal (3-3 overall, 2-2 Class 4A region 1) is coming off a 36-6 win over Monroe County last week at home while Hillcrest is coming off a 36-14 over Southside of Selma.
With the region wins for both teams, the Blue Eagles and Jaguars are in a four-way tie for the last two spots to make the playoffs in the region. W.S. Neal, Hillcrest, Jackson, and T.R. Miller all sport identical 2-2 region records as of right now with 4-0 Thomasville and Escambia County facing off this week for the region championship.
In last week’’s win over Monroe County, Hathcock said he was proud of his team’s focus and intensity unlike in the past few weeks.
While last week was a good win for his team, Hathcock looks to have his team continue in doing the right things in a tough region game this week on the road against Hillcrest.
While Hillcrest has a 2-4 record overall, their losses have come against Geneva, Thomasville, Escambia County and Pike County. Those four teams are a combined 20-4 on the season.
Hathcock said that the Jaguars have tall guys who will go up and get the ball and make plays against you. While he sees great skill in the quarterback and wide receivers, he also sees great skill in Hillcrest’s running backs and defense.
Offensively for the Blue Eagles, Hathcock continues to stress the fact that they need to run the ball and be successful in the run game.
W.S. Neal and Hillcrest will take to the field Friday night in Evergreen. Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m.