New 1A, Region 8 teams to battle it out

By Staff
Scot Beard
THARPTOWN – The Tharptown football team has had some close battles with Waterloo in the past.
But unlike previous meetings, tonight's game is important in the region standings.
The Wildcats are 0-2 overall and 0-2 in the region while Waterloo – another newcomer to Class 1A, Region 8 – is 2-0 overall and 1-0 in region play.
If the Wildcats want to earn the first region win in school history and keep pace in the region, they will have to perform better than they did last week.
Tharptown was able to move the ball against Hazlewood last week, but turnovers prevented the Wildcats from scoring in the 48-0 loss.
Tharptown coach Barry Laster said the team improved from the first week and he feels his team can still make the playoffs because the Wildcats have played the two best teams in the region.
If they want to make a run for a playoff spot the Wildcats will need a win at Waterloo.
The Cougars trailed Shoals Christian 21-13 after the third quarter last week but rallied to win 34-21.
Waterloo quarterback Drew Holcombe passed for 302 yards and threw a pair of touchdowns. Cacie Croyle is the Cougars other offensive threat. He caught a 32-yard touchdown pass and rushed for a 10-yard score during the fourth quarter.