Last chance: Vikes try to finish with a 'W'

Community has one more shot at a win this Friday night on the road against Clarksville Academy. (T-G Photo by Jasen Richardson) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

Issues on both sides of the ball have stunted this young team and there is no way to go but up.

Last week the Vikings (0-9) tried rolling quarterbacks out of the pocket and found some room to get some passes plays completed. There were also some improvements in the running game and the Vikes defensive stronghold.

The non-district matchup with former Region 5-A opponent Clarksville Academy (2-7) is Community's last chance at a win this season. It will take a sound game plan and ample execution to snap the Purple and Gold's 17-game losing streak.

"Offensively we need to execute both the running game and the passing game," Viking coach Johnnie Frost said. "We need to play full speed and attack. They are going to run the option. We've done a really good job the past couple of years playing them and shutting their option down. They've always been able to change their game plan, when they know we've got a good one. We've got to stay on top of that and challenge them."

The Unionville crew outgained the Cougars in their last meeting in rushing yardage (161-112) and passing yardage (85-45), but fell short 31-0.

"We match up very well with (CA), when it comes to our stride, speed and strength," Frost said. "They look somewhat like us, as for as their image and how they play on the field. It's going to come down to you can execute their offense and defense the best. We have got to focus. We have got to be willing to play all four quarters. If there is any time for us to let it all out and give it our best shot, this is it. For our seniors, it is extremely important."

Several key Vikings have taken the responsibility they have to the team and picked it up a notch. Lucas Burke has begun to find the holes to hit from the backfield and Jesse Cooper is easing into his role at quarterback. Cody Pierce and Trey Barnes have continued to do what they can to help as ball carriers.

Last week, the Community defense held eighth-ranked Forrest's second team to zero points in the second half in the 52-6 loss. Poise in the passing game and the determination on the running game complemented the defensive strike.

If Community can continue to build on what happened in the last half of the game against playoff-bound Rockets, then there could be the long awaited 'W' at the end of Friday night's game.

"It's a matter of staying focused and making things happen for us," Frost said. "We need to take the pressure off of us and put it on them. We need to play smash mouth football. We need to do whatever it takes to dominate on both sides of the ball."

The Cougars of District 10-A fell last week 41-0 to Jo Byrns, the top-ranked team in Class A.

Community has been outscored 365-42 this season. The Cougars can sympathize as opponents have outdone them 245-96.

Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30.