Rick Patrick
rick@greenepublishing.com
After finally beginning this season's football campaign with a one-sided shutout over Jefferson Somerset, the Madison County High School (MCHS) Cowboys continue their quest for the Capital City with a tougher opponent, the Raiders of South Sumter High.
Last season, the Raiders made a deep run into the playoffs before they were eliminated by Cocoa High in the Class 4A Region 2 Final. The Raiders are a team with a long history of success and it is unlikely that they will be intimidated by Boot Hill.
On the offensive side of the ball, the Raiders have a strong, 6', 225 lb fullback named Malachi Presley who can be a load to bring down. Last week, Presley racked up 78 yards on the ground and three rushing touchdowns in the Raiders' season opening 49-30 win over Wildwood. The Cowboys will have to focus on sure tackling or else he could put up some big numbers.
The "Hogs" of the Cowboys' offensive line will have to be on their top game in order to give Mitch Rutherford time to throw and to open holes for Hiers, Mitchell and company to gallop through. If Rutherford can have time to find open receivers, look for Madison's "Catching Zs," Zarrion Robinson and Zechariah Jones to have big games. All that will depend on the offensive line doing their job against a very good defensive unit that totaled six tackles-for-loss with two quarterback sacks last week.
"We have had a great week so far," said MCHS Head Coach Mike Coe. "Sumter presents a great challenge. They are well coached and have a great tradition. It is an old rivalry and we are looking forward to having another opportunity to play this Friday night on Boot Hill."
The Cowboys will face the Raiders of South Sumter High School on Friday, Sept. 11, at Boot Hill Stadium, on the MCHS campus. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.