Eagles intend to make road trip pay off

Shelbyville junior punter Angel Jarquin has been a difference maker with his booming punts in the Eagles' first two games this season. He also handles all the kicking duties. (T-G Photo by Gary Johnson) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

After putting a pair of tough losses to Class 5-A teams behind them, Shelbyville Central looks to claim its first win of the season tonight at Region 5-4A foe Lawrence County.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7 in Lawrenceburg.

Shelbyville has losses to Coffee County and Warren County while Lawrence County has a win over Loretto and a loss to Giles County.

The Eagles (0-2) will also be looking to put an end to a two-game streak in which they've turned the football over a dozen times, six in each game.

When it comes to turnovers, Shelbyville is now minus 10 in the give-away-take-away category.

"No matter what level you're at in this sport, turnovers are very costly and disappointing," Shelbyville coach Jason Hardy said. "Over the past couple of weeks we've talked about those mistakes that beat yourself. It's not only turnovers, it's a number of little things as well. A number of times we've been just inches away from a touchdown run, making a big plays or making that key block or tackle. I know we're a young team but it's still disappointing."

Take away just a few of those turnovers in the first two games and the Eagles could very easily be undefeated.

You really can't say enough about the Eagle defense at this point. They have really improved and are keeping the team in the game.

"Our play on defense has been a huge positive," Hardy said. "We knew that we had a lot more experience coming back on defense and we've really played well defensively over the first two games. We're doing a great job of getting to the ball and tackling. We've caused a few turnovers but the main thing is our defense is keeping us in the ball game.

"Our special teams have also been a bright spot for us as well. Angel Jarquin took over the punting duties this year and he's really worked hard at it and has done a great job in the first two games. Our kickoff and punt coverage has been pretty steady as well."

Jarquin has punted eight times for an average of 35 yards per punt, including a 46-yarder last week against Warren County.

Look for a change at starting quarterback for the Eagles this week.

Tre Stewart will get the nod in place of Isiah Washington, who started the previous two games.

The two sophomores have split time running the offense, but Hardy decided to give Stewart a look after he sparked the Eagles in the fourth quarter last week.

"Both these kids are great athletes and they are good friends," Hardy said. "They pull for one another and we're still looking for one of them to take over that starting role. Tre had a great week of practice and we'll see what happens."

No matter who is at quarterback, Hardy will find a place on the field for the other because both are very talented and athletic.

Shelbyville will get some added help from junior Emmanuel Andrews, who has rejoined the team.

Andrews, last year's District 8-AAA Player of the Year in basketball, was one of the leading receivers in the region last year. He originally decided to not play football this year before rejoining the team right before the season started. He was on the sidelines the first two games but wasn't dressed out.

"Emmanuel will be ready to play in this game," Hardy said. "He'll really help us out on special teams and we'll try to work him in some on offense but he's still got a ways to go after his late start. He's done everything we've asked since returning and he's ready to go. I think he will be an impact player for us."

Like the Eagles, Lawrence County graduated a number of seniors but a number of playmakers are left on offense.

"Lawrence County runs the Wing-T with a little misdirection," Hardy said. "Kind of reminds me of Coffee County. They are young at quarterback as well, but they have a very tough fullback and a big tight end and receiver they like to get the ball to," Hardy said. "

Defensively, they run the 4-3/4-4 and like to blitz a lot.

"If we take care of the football and limit our mistakes, we'll be in a lot of ball games and have a chance to win," Hardy said. "That's going to be the key all year for us."

Week 2 Schedule for Region 5-4A:

Hillsboro 42, Stratford 18 (Thursday)

Tullahoma at Whites Creek

Maplewood - Open