Rick Patrick: Greene Publishing, Inc.
This Friday’s game is Homecoming game for the Madison County High School (MCHS) Cowboys in every sense of the word; literally, figuratively, metaphorically and probably any other kind of “ly” one could imagine.
Tonight's game between the Class 2A number two ranked Christians of University Christian and the Class 1A number one ranked Cowboys is the annual Homecoming game for MCHS wherein alums traditionally come back to the school and revisit “old school days.” If that is the case for anyone, welcome home. It is hoped that any alums returning home for Homecoming have a great time reminiscing and perhaps visiting old friends, teachers and classmates. Homecoming week is supposed to be capped off with a good football game, and this one is not likely to disappoint.
The Cowboys are also “coming home” in the sense that this will be the first game in nearly a month at Boot Hill Stadium. The last home game the Cowboys had was the Sept. 22 contest against Columbia County. Undoubtedly, the Cowboys are looking forward to playing in front of the home crowd again.
This game could be a bit of a “homecoming” in the sense that this game will likely be a game reminiscent of “old school” games that were won in the trenches. It has been said that success in football depends on two things, blocking and tackling. That will be crucial in this game. The Christians have a potent offense that averages over 200 yards passing per game. Containing Clayton Boyd, the talented dual-threat quarterback from University Christian will be a key task for the Cowboys' defensive unit, led by linebacker, Jonathon “Bulldog” Alexander. The defensive front will need to put pressure on Boyd while not allowing him any clear running lanes, as Boyd averages nearly 87 yards rushing per game. Solid tackling will be a must for the Cowboys. On the other side of the ball, the Cowboys' offensive line will have their hands full with a University Christian defense that likes to go after opposing quarterbacks. The “hawgs” up front will need to play another good game in order to allow the Cowboys to run the ball and sustain drives in order to keep Boyd and company off the field. The Cowboys will also have to avoid turnovers and giving the Christians a short field. This game will likely go into the fourth quarter, which is typical for the Cowboys.
“We absolutely have our hands full with UC (University Christian). They are a very well coached team that plays extremely hard. We will be ready to go though...Our kids will play well, and they are excited about the game,” said MCHS Coach Mike Coe.
The game will take place at Boot Hill Stadium on the MCHS campus tonight. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. There will be a special Homecoming ceremony at halftime, during which the Homecoming Queen will be announced.