Powerful Wildcats challenge Eagles

Senior Shelbyville defensive lineman Jeffery Holman will attempt to slow the powerful Lawrence County running game when the Eagles host the Wildcats tonight. Homecoming festivities start at 6:30. (T-G Photo by Gary Johnson) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

Shelbyville Central's matchup with District 8-AAA foe Lawrence County tonight is big in a number of ways.

Not only is it homecoming, but a win would put the Golden Eagles one step closer to the TSSAA state playoffs.

Shelbyville returns to Eagle Stadium after three road games.

"It's really good to be back home. I don't really think we really understand how taxing it is to be on the road until you've been on there two or three weeks in a row," Shelbyville coach Jason Hardy said. "I know the kids are excited to be back as well as our fans and coaching staff."

A lot of times teams schedule weaker opponents for homecoming because of all the distractions throughout the week. That's not the case for the Eagles this time around.

"I'll have to say that this is the best Lawrence County team I've ever seen," Hardy said. "I know they're hungry to make the playoffs just like we are and this game is huge in that respect. The winner of this game will take a gigantic step towards the playoffs and will control their own destiny. There's still a lot of football to be played but this game is huge nonetheless."

Shelbyville (4-2, 1-1 8-AAA) started 3-0 before suffering back-to-back losses to Giles County and Columbia. The Eagles claimed a 18-8 victory over Marshall County last week.

The Wildcats (4-2, 2-1) have won four straight games after starting the season 0-2.

Shelbyville and Lawrence County both lost to Giles County and Columbia.

There's no secret what Lawrence County's going to do offensively. They like to run out of the Wing-T and they've been very successful in doing so.

Their line averages 280 pounds led by Dustin Moore (6-5, 330), Charles Sweeton (6-6, 294) and Tre Carr (6-2, 246). They also feature three very talented running backs in Vincent Blair, Trevor Irizarry and Trent "Taz" Garland.

The Wildcats are averaging 35 carries for a total 262 yards on the ground this season but over the past four games they've rushed for an average of 315 yards. They've ran in 20 touchdowns this season.

Lawrence County is averaging 29 points a game compared to Shelbyville's 15.

The Wildcat defense has been steady, giving up only 15 points per game while the Eagles are allowing 23.

"We've got our work cut out for us," Hardy said. "They are very strong in all aspects of the game and are a complete football team. They are huge up front, have a lot of speed and they all play very hard."

The Eagle defense has caught the eye of Lawrence County coach David Marston as well.

"They do a great job reading and reacting to the football," Marston said. "It looks like they are more athletic than they have been in recent years."

Homecoming festivities start at approximately 6:30 with the kickoff to follow at 7.

"I really like homecoming a lot," Hardy said. "It's a special time for our school. I hope that people that went to Central, not only football players but cheerleaders, band members along with all other alumni will make a special trip and come out to this game. It's a great opportunity to come back a relive a lot of memories."