Eagles, Rebels look ahead

Senior defensive back Jonathan Certain has helped lead the Eagle defense but is questionable against Franklin County due to an ankle injury. (T-G Photo by Gary Johnson) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

The Shelbyville Central-Franklin County matchup tonight pairs teams looking to return to the glory days of the past.

Both football programs have been very successful over the years and are currently rebuilding.

"Coming into the game we have a lot in common with Franklin County," Shelbyville coach Jason Hardy said. "Years ago we were in the same conference and starting next year we will be in the same region, battling for playoff spots. I've talked to a lot of people this week who have a lot of fond memories of playing Franklin County and this is one of those good old high school rivalries.

"Both of these football teams have been very successful in years past and I know both are working extremely hard to get back to the point of being perennial playoff teams. They're fighting for a lot of the same type of things we are and that should make for a very interesting matchup. I think both programs are well on the way to getting back to some of those good days."

The Eagles (1-4) are coming off a hard-fought 28-21 loss to Whites Creek while the Rebels (1-4) dropped a 27-14 decision to Lincoln County last week.

New-look Rebels

Franklin County has a new head coach this year who has implemented the spread offense.

"When I think about Franklin County I always thought of power football but now they're more of a spread team and they throw the ball around a little bit," Hardy said. "They like to widen the field and use their athletes.

"They have a lot of good athletes, especially their quarterback (senior Shaquille Shedd) and tailback (junior Terrance Martin). They also have a lot of good role players on their team."

Franklin County has been very successful in the in the first half so, if the Eagles can weather the storm, they could be in good shape at the end.

"If you look at their first five games and look up to halftime, they've outplayed most of their opponents," Hardy said. "Good things have happened to them early.

"They've had some bad luck and some turnovers that have really hurt them in the second half. Just like us, you take away a few plays here and there and they could have a completely different record."

So, if the Eagles win the toss will they take the ball and give Franklin County the ball at the start of the second half?

"That's a great possibility," Hardy said. "We've talked about it as a coaching staff but we've yet to make that decision. The fact that they have played well early will be a factor in that decision."

As far as size and speed, it's a fairly even matchup.

Injuries hurt

The Eagles still haven't been able to put their projected starting lineup on the field due to injuries and a number of starters won't be available for this game either.

Senior linebacker Dillon Potter has been out all season with a concussion, running back Julius Smythe will be out for the second straight week with an ankle sprain and defensive end Tristan McMahon is still nursing an injury.

Senior defensive back Jonathan Certain is questionable with a shoulder injury.

As the Eagles start the second half of the regular season, Hardy is pleased with the progress of the team despite their overall record.

The one statistic that stands out is Shelbyville's turnover ratio of minus-11, including 18 giveaways.

"To this point our turnovers have been the difference," Hardy said. "We always talk about taking care of ourselves and we've got to do a much better job of that in the second half of the season."

Eagles improve

The defense and special teams have led the way, but the offense seems to be gaining momentum and improving every week.

Shelbyville's defense is allowing an average of 188 yards on the ground and only 63 in the air while the Eagle offense is averaging 136 yards rushing and 93 passing.

Special teams play has been impressive the first five games and punter Angel Jarquin has been steady, averaging nearly 35 yards per punt.

Smythe has 52 carries for 290 (5.5 yards per carry) followed by sophomore quarterback Tre Stewart with 217 yards on 50 attempts (4.3 yards per carry). Senior Quinn Marable is Shelbyville's leading receiver with 10 catches totaling 199 yards.

Junior linebacker Hunter Brothers has 63 tackles, including 47 solo, along with two interceptions and a fumble recovery.

Junior Philip Jones follows with 38 tackles, Certain with 35 and junior Trey Davidson with 30.

At the midway point the Eagles have been flagged 26 times for 217 yards.

In other Region 4-5A action, Hillsboro hosts Hillwood, Maplewood hosts Ooltewah, Whites Creek visits Knoxville Central, Tullahoma goes to Warren County, Lawrence County travels to Hickman County and Stratford visits Pearl Cohn.