Two road games to start the season equaled an 0-2 start for the Tigers of T.R. Miller, but two home wins have evened their record at 2-2 overall and after a 46-0 win last week at home, are outscoring their opponents 110-7 in their last two games.
T.R. Miller Tiger head coach Jamie Riggs said his defense played a big key in the 46-0 region win over Montgomery Academy Friday in Brewton.
“Obviously the big thing about the game was that we got off to a great start,” Riggs said. “Our defense kept giving us the ball in great field position. We had some turnovers down there in the first half and there was a couple of times where we held them on three downs and made them punt. We would then get the ball at midfield or in their territory and we spent a lot of the first part of the game in their territory. That allowed us to get three quick scores on the board and that obviously changed the complexion of the entire game.
“So that was a good job on our defense to get the stops and good field position then our offense cashed the stuff in and that is what you have to do.”
This week, the Tigers head to an old rival on the road when they will tangle with 4-0 class 4A Andalusia in a non-region week.
The two schools have not met since 2005 when T.R. Miller won 28-14 in Brewton. The two teams have met 49 times with Andalusia winning 25 and T.R. Miller winning 22 with two ties.
“They have a really good team this year and I think they knew they were going to have a really good team this year,” Riggs said. “They had a lot of guys coming back from last year’s team and I think they anticipated having a really good team this year. They have swapped regions in 4A and I think that has made things a little better for them as they have got away from Thomasville, Jackson, and UMS-Wright. They have great speed and really good size on their offensive and defensive lines.”
Andalusia has senior running back Derrick King, No. 3, leading the offense on the ground, and Johnnie Jones on defense as a linebacker making the tackles.
The Bulldogs’ strength defense has helped them come away with victories this season and two shutouts.
“King has great speed and is really shifty and is an outstanding running back,” Riggs said. “He is very difficult to tackle. They have done a great job of just running the ball and holding onto the ball and doing a great job of just playing good defense against people. So the offense and defense has been a good combination for them.
“Somehow we have to find an answer to that and if we don’t’ then they will take over the ball and control the game the way they have done through the first four games of the season.”
Andalusia has two shutouts on defense this season and has only allowed 26 total points in four games.
“They are good on defense and they do a really good job of running the ball,” Riggs said. “They are very physical. We have to find an answer to their rushing attack if we want to go over there and stay in the game with them. They are tough in Andalusia and always have been a tough home team. They are hard to beat over there and we have our work cut out for us.”
Riggs said he hopes to see a good crowd Friday night in Andalusia cheering on his Tigers.
“We really need a good crowd,” Riggs said. “Hopefully, they will get behind us over there and if we do our part it will be a good game. We will have a great week of preparation and get over there and give a great effort against Andalusia.”
Game time is set for 7 p.m.