Rick Patrick: Greene Publishing, Inc.
On the surface, the Madison County High School (MCHS) football game against Pensacola Catholic should be a game in which the Cowboys are heavily favored. The Crusaders of Pensacola Catholic are 1–5, while the Cowboys are coming into Pensacola with an unblemished record and on top of the Class 1A rankings. The game has become a great rivalry game over the years, and rivalry games tend to have a life of their own, regardless of current records. MCHS Head Coach Mike Coe is certainly not taking the Crusaders lightly. “They've never beaten us, but the last two times we've played them, it's gone into overtime,” said Coe. “They're 1-5, but their record doesn't indicate how good of a team they are. They've been in just about every game, and playing over there is always tough.”
Despite their record, the Crusaders do have some talented playmakers on both sides of the ball. On defense, 6' 2”, 200 lb. defensive end Kyheem Coleman is a very quick sure tackler with a nose for the ball. Coleman has racked up four sacks so far this season. Cowboy ball carriers will have to be very careful to guard against fumbles and other turnovers. Crusader running back Abram Smiley is a tough runner who is quick to go through holes; and with a strong 5' 11”, 205 lb. frame, he rarely goes down on the first hit. Tackling will be a must in order to keep him contained and out of the open field.
Clearly, the game this evening has the potential to be a “trap” game for the Cowboys. When asked how he avoids the pitfall of his team becoming too complacent, Coe's response is to the point. “That's an excuse, and we don't allow it. It's a 0-0 season every week. Get to 1-0... DO what it takes to be 1-0,” said Coe.
The game is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 6, at 7:30 p.m. Central Time, in Pensacola. Pensacola Catholic is located at 3043 W. Scott St., in Pensacola.