Rivals on the run: Eagles, Rebs like ground game

A pair of teams that like to run the football pair off tonight when Shelbyville Central travels to Franklin County in a District 8-AAA contest.

Both teams are undefeated, the Eagles at 2-0 with big wins over Coffee County and Warren County while the Rebels are coming off a bye week after claiming a blowout victory over White County in Week Zero.

This week is always challenging due to school being out for the Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration.

"Every year this week is a distraction but we've learned to attempt to minimize the adjustments to our routine as much as possible," Central coach Jason Hardy said. "We've had some good practices but anytime you have a major change to a teenager's routine it's going to cause a few problems but I think that team has handled it was well as they could. We practiced in the mornings because so many kids are involved or have to work at the horse show."

Hardy and the Golden Eagles don't know much about the Rebels since they've only played one game.

"This is a district game and all the district games are huge." Hardy said. "Franklin County has had two weeks to prepare for us and they got to see our game last week against Warren County. I know they are going to be ready for this game and they'll be chomping at the bit to get back out there since they were off last week."

Franklin County has a new coaching staff which has converted the Rebel offense to the Wing-T from last year's spread.

In their first game the Rebels rushed 47 times for 493 yards and seven touchdowns. Sophomore Layton Wells led the way with 279 yards on 14 carries.

"They have a number of guys that will run the football so you can't key on one player," Hardy said. "The Wing-T is a lot like our spread, you try to get the ball into the hands of your playmakers, It's going to be a challenge for our defense to stop them."

Defensively the Rebels have a big line that can stop the run up the middle.

"They are very athletic on defense and do a good job of getting to the football," Hardy said. "They show you a few different looks and like to blitz a lot as well. We like to run the football and they did a good job of stopping the run in their first game."

Shelbyville has shown a lot improvement in its passing game and it remains to be seen if Franklin County faced the same type of speedy running backs that the Eagles feature.