Rick Patrick: Greene Publishing, Inc.
Inside the field house for the Madison County High School (MCHS) Cowboys football team, it is written on the wall, “It's hard to be a Cowboy.” That statement could not be any truer than during this week as the Cowboys prepare to host the Tigers of Columbia County tonight at 7:30 p.m. “Columbia is by far the most talented team we have played so far,” said MCHS Head Coach Mike Coe. “[They are] really fast and big up front.”
The Tigers' offense is led by a talented quarterback, Dylan Blair, a Junior with a strong arm and an ability to find open receivers. Blair averages just over 300 yards passing per game, thanks in part to a very good receiving corps with a talent for making plays after making a catch. “We will have to play our very best to have a chance,” said Coe.
The Tigers are coming into Madison with a 3-1 record, having lost to Lee High School from Jacksonville, 48-24 on Tuesday, Sept. 19. The Tigers are ranked number 10 in Class 7A.
For the Cowboys, this week has been a week of “getting back to normal.” Due to the hurricane, the students were out of school last week. Earlier, the Cowboys moved their game with Florida High to Thursday evening, Sept. 7, and last week they played in Williston on Saturday, Sept. 16. “We've had a great week of prep and have a great plan, in my opinion,” added Coe. “I'm proud of our kids so far, but we have to continue to get better if we want to play in December, which is our goal.”
Even though this game is still in the early part of the season, it could have play-off implications down the road. “With the new points system, this is a huge game. Cowboy fans, we need you there, loud and proud,” said Coe.
Tonight's game against Columbia County will take place at Boot Hill Stadium on the MCHS campus. Kickoff is slated for 7:30 p.m.