Champs can own 9-A with win Friday

Cascade seniors Matt Henderson (1), Gerald 'Happy' Johnson (7) and Ricky Hord (2) all scored touchdowns in the come-from-behind victory at Middle Tennessee Christian last week. (T-G Photo by Danny Parker) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

If the tenth-ranked Champions (5-3, 4-0 District 9-A) can defeat Moore County (4-4, 1-3) on Friday night, they will clinch at least a share of their third straight district/region title.

After tying Jo Byrns for first place in Region 5-A in 2007 and winning the title outright with a 10-0 regular season last year, Cascade could further solidify its status amongst the elite with a District 9-A crown.

"It's a reflection on the kids, on the coaches we've got working together, the administration, it takes it all. But, the kids have worked and bought into what we're doing," coach Kenny Parker said.

"A lot of times it's not Xs and Os, it's Jimmy's and Joe's and our kids have done a really good job of doing what they have to do."

While Parker was quick to point out that no one around the Bell Buckle/Wartrace school is putting the cart before the horse, he is pleased that another shot at concreting a spot in the 24-team field in the TSSAA state playoffs is within reach.

A Week 9 victory over Moore County and another in the season finale against Huntland would likely leave the Champs sitting pretty in the playoff bracket.

The top two teams from each of the four quadrants in both Class A and 2A will get a bye in the first round. Also at stake is the possibility of playing at least a pair of playoff games at The Stable.

If the Orange and Black want to accomplish any of their goals, they'll need to get healthy in a hurry. Sickness is still hammering the school pretty hard. Only 32 players were available at practice Tuesday.

"We just can't shake it," Parker said. "Kids will have it, they'll come back, they'll be feeling better, then the next thing you know it's hitting them again. I don't know what it is. We just can't shake the bug."

They came out of the gates sluggish last week and had to rally from a 14-point halftime deficit at Middle Tennessee Christian. However, the coaching staff was pleased with the fight the players showed in winning 28-21.

"I told them today that I liked the character that they showed in coming back," Parker said Wednesday. "When you get in adverse situations like that, your character and discipline will come to the forefront. I was really proud of what our kids did."

After being penalized four times for 36 yards and fumbling the ball over twice in the first two quarters, the Champions were flagged just once and didn't have a turnover after halftime.

"There wasn't a whole lot of barking or a whole lot of preaching (at halftime). Everybody in there knew what was happening. Of course the coaches weren't real happy. We made a couple of adjustments, and our kids just came out and executed," Parker said.

In order to slow down a Cougar rushing attack that helped them control the ball for 20 minutes, 15 seconds in the first half alone, Cascade went to a 5-3 base defense.

Although it was the first time the Champs showed that defensive front this season, their coaches now have confidence knowing it's another card they can pull from their sleeve if opponents are having success running the football.

"We think we can use (the 5-3) more now. Will it be our primary (scheme)? Probably not. But, it's something we can fall back on if we need to," Parker said. "By being able to do that, we've got three fronts we can use."

Cascade also uses a diamond formation and a four-man front. That multiplicity could provide some confusion for foes.

Last week, Moore County won at Community 43-7.

Under coach Steve Matthews, who spent time in the NFL with the Kansas City Chiefs, Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans, runs a Wing-T offense. The former quarterback relies on Hunter Case as his primary signal-caller. Montrell Berry and Daniel McGee get a bulk of the carries at tailback and fullback, respectively.

The Raider defense runs out of a base 5-3 alignment with Kohl Rogers and Clinton Harper as two of the primary tacklers.

While the surface is likely to be just as damp this week as last, the temperature should be slightly warmer, which is good news for a Cascade team that struggled in some areas adjusting to the cold against MTC.

"Going into the game, we let the elements sort of get into our head a little bit. But, as we got to playing better in the second half, you forgot about the elements," said Parker, who felt like temperature was near-perfect for the players getting action considering all the padding they tote.

Kickoff in Lynchburg will be at 7:30.