Knights' D looks to fend off Tigers

By By Will Bardwell / staff writer
Oct. 2, 2003
One of the area's best defenses looks to keep West Lauderdale's winning streak going when the Knights travel to Southeast Lauderdale on Friday.
Also in action this week are Lake at Clarkdale, Central Private at Lamar, and Quitman at Northeast Lauderdale.
West Lauderdale enters its game against the Tigers on a three-game winning streak after a 31-14 win over Newton County. The 14 points is the most any opponent has scored against the Knights this season, but one of the touchdowns was scored on a fumble recovery.
Before Newton County's offensive touchdown in the second quarter, West Lauderdale's defense had not allowed any points in 12 quarters.
Southeast Lauderdale's defense has improved in recent weeks. Despite losing 21-0 on Friday, the Tigers held Carthage scoreless in the first half. Two weeks earlier on Sept. 11, they dominated Clarkdale in a 25-0 shutout win.
The Tigers' offense has sputtered, though. After averaging nearly 24 points per game against Clarkdale and Forest, Southeast Lauderdale never scored against Carthage.
Southeast Lauderdale averaged just over 10 points per game in its first two games of the season, losses against Enterprise and Northeast Lauderdale.
The Knights' 31 points against Newton County was their highest scoring output of the season, and McCain called it West Lauderdale's best offensive game, so far.
Despite their 4-1 record, McCain said his team cannot afford to look past the 1-4 Tigers.
Central Private
at Lamar
The Lamar Raiders come off an open week looking to even their division record against Central Private.
At 4-1, Lamar is looking for its first three-game winning streak of head coach Mac Barnes' tenure. If they perform like they did against Madison-Ridgeland on Sept. 19, Barnes thinks the Raiders have a good chance.
Barnes said that while he is pleased with his team's effort, the Raiders cannot forget that their only loss came in their only district game so far this season.
While the Raiders' long-term goal remains unchanged a state championship Barnes said Lamar cannot afford to look past any opponent even the 1-4 Rebels, who picked up their first win on Friday.
at Clarkdale
A week after scoring more points than in any other game this season, the Clarkdale Bulldogs look to rebound from a 32-14 loss to Heidelberg when they host Lake.
Although winless at 0-5, Bulldogs head coach Joey Ethridge said the team continues to improve each week, particularly on offense.
The Hornets enter the game 2-3 after a 29-8 loss to Enterprise on Friday. Ethridge said he expects Lake to try to overpower his team up front.
Clarkdale's defense has had problems defending big plays, surrendering four scoring plays of 30 or more yards in the past two games. Therefore, Ethridge said he will not be cheating from the secondary, and that his front seven will have to play sharp.
Quitman
at NE Lauderdale
The Trojans hope to keep their winning record and stay undefeated in district play on Friday when the Quitman Panthers visit Northeast Lauderdale.
Now 3-2 and 2-0 in Division 5-4A, Northeast Lauderdale is above .500 for the first time in 2003. Quitman is 2-3 after a 35-0 loss to Wayne County on Friday.
Since winning their season opener 31-16 against Heidelberg, the Panthers have lost three of four and averaged only 15 points per game.