Rick Patrick - Greene Publishing, Inc.
When the Madison County High School (MCHS) Cowboys take the field tonight against the Wildcats of Baker County from Glen St. Mary, they will be facing their biggest challenge yet in a season that has seen plenty of challenges. The Wildcats are coming into Boot Hill Stadium ranked third in Class 5A in the state. The Cowboys are still ranked number one in Class 1A, according to the Associated Press. Among all high schools in all classifications in the state, Baker County is ranked number 21, while MCHS is ranked 25 among all Florida high schools.
MCHS Head Coach Mike Coe is never afraid to face tough competition. Earlier this season, the Cowboys defeated Class 5A powerhouse teams Rickards High School and Wakulla High School. When asked about Baker County High School, Coach Coe is clear about what the Cowboys are facing. “Baker County is as athletic as anybody we've faced or will face,” said Coe. “Not only that, they have a tremendous coaching staff who we have a lot of respect for.”
Coe said his team is not approaching this game any differently from any other game this year. “Our kids know what to expect and we are working hard this week on fundamentals and getting better at the little things. We prepare like always for our next opponent and lay it on the line [this] Friday,” said Coe.
Tonight is “Senior Night” at Boot Hill Stadium, but this will not be the end of the line for the Cowboys. The playoffs begin next Friday, Nov. 11 at home against Baldwin High School. But that's next week. “We aren't focused on the playoffs at all, just getting better everyday. That's all we can control,” added Coe. Tonight's game at Boot Hill Stadium is set to kickoff at 7:30 p.m.