Rick Patrick
rick@greenepublishing.com
For the Madison County High School (MCHS) Cowboys, the "road to Tallahassee" will literally be "on the road." The Cowboys will spend the rest of the regular season as road warriors as they seek their fourth consecutive state title. The next stop on the Cowboys' road trip will be a familiar location, Lake City. The Cowboys will be facing an old and sometimes bitter rival in the Columbia County High School Tigers.
The Tigers have an 0-2 record so far this season, but as with any rival, previous records often make little difference.
For the Cowboys, defense will be the key to this contest. If the Cowboys can keep pressure on the Tiger quarterbacks, they may have success. The Tiger quarterbacks have had a tendency to throw interceptions this season and if the defensive front can keep them under duress, then the talented Cowboy defensive backs could have a big game.
If the game remains close, then the kicking game could be a factor. That is where the Tigers could have an advantage. The Tigers' kicker, Bryant Rigdon, has been nearly perfect in points-after-touchdowns (PATs) this season.
Statewide high school football prognosticator, Joe Pinko, does expect a close game. He has the Cowboys listed as a three-point favorite. One thing anyone can expect is with a rivalry game such as this, it will be a hard fought game.
"[It's] always a great measuring stick playing Columbia," said MCHS Head Coach Mike Coe. "[Every year, they are] loaded with talent and Coach Allen does a great job with that program. We are very similar in how we approach the off season and weight room. We will have to play flawlessly and much better than we have all year to make it a game. But I like where we are and where we are headed. Lots of young guys who are fighting daily to improve and get better. I’m excited about the future and what’s in store for Cowboy Nation."
The game takes place this evening; Friday, Oct. 9, at Columbia County High School, at 469 SE Fighting Tiger Dr., in Lake City, Fla. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.