Central seeks end to road skid

Shelbyville Central hits the road for the third straight week when the Golden Eagles face Marshall County in a non-district matchup tonight at 7. (T-G Photo by Gary Johnson) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

Shelbyville Central will be looking to end a two-game losing streak tonight against non-district foe Marshall County when they go on the road for the third straight week.

After starting the season 3-0 the Golden Eagles (3-2) hit a roadblock with losses to talented Giles County and Columbia.

The Eagles have had their share of highs and lows but are primed and ready to make a run for a TSSAA state playoff slot over the next five games.

"Starting the season 3-0 is a huge positive but now we've got to find a way to bounce back from a couple of losses from two quality teams and get back on the right track," Eagle coach Jason Hardy said.

"Over the last few games we've made a number of mental mistakes, had too many penalties and turned the ball over more than we need to but I think those things can be corrected. This week we've worried more about Shelbyville and what we need to do to fix our problems."

Injuries and illnesses have hampered the Eagles throughout the first half of the season. That problem has added depth to certain positions with backups having the opportunity to show what they can do.

"I think we had more injuries and illnesses in the first half of this season than I had since I've been coaching," Hardy said. "I don't think we've had a chance to put the same starting lineup on the field this season. That's something that we really don't have any control over and we just have to deal with it and make adjustments.

"We're still banged up going into this week and there could be two or three starters that might be limited in how much playing time they get."

Hardy said not to put too much into the Tigers' 0-4 start.

Shelbyville's and Marshall County's opponents have identical 12-6 combined records. Columbia is the only common foe. They rolled past Shelbyville 47-13 and Marshall County 38-14.

"If you are just looking at Marshall County's record you're going to be mistaken," Hardy said. "They have played some quality teams and their record is very misleading.

"They have a great tradition and they're not accustomed to losing. I know they're looking to get a win, and I expect them to be really fired up, especially since they are playing at home."

Marshall County's offense is averaging 15.3 points per game compared to Shelbyville's 15.2. The Eagle defense is giving up an average of 25.8 points a game while the Tigers are allowing an average of 33.8

Shelbyville gave up a combined 98 points over the past two contests after allowing only 31 in the first three games.

Marshall County runs a spread offense and likes to throw the football. They have a talented quarterback and three capable receivers. Their running game has been a little suspect but has improved over the past few games.

"On offense they really like to spread it out and run a lot of four wide receiver sets and like to throw the football," Hardy said. "Defensively, they are very, very aggressive and they blitz almost every play. They have guys coming from every angle and they are very athletic on that side of the ball as well. Our guys up front have got to block well and if we do that I think we can have the opportunity for some big plays."

The Eagle offense has prepared for just about every type of blitz and they must be patient and avoid unnecessary penalties.

"Anytime you blitz it puts a lot of pressure on the offense but it also leaves some kind of hole in your defense," Hardy said. "We've got to get the tough yards and then hopefully some big plays will follow."