Tharptown welcomes Vina for key game

By Staff
Scot Beard
THARPTOWN – Clint Nunley noticed several areas his team needs to improve in before they continue their region schedule.
Time is running out for his Tharptown squad as the Wildcats are preparing to host Vina Friday in an important region game for both teams.
"Obviously tackling and defense as a whole need to get better," Nunley said.
The Wildcats struggled early against Phillips last week – they trailed 44-0 at halftime – before playing better in the second half.
Tharptown, which is in its second season in region play, is familiar with Vina. The two teams have met several times since Tharptown began its football program.
Vina has won all of the games.
Nunley said it would probably take a few more games before the two schools became strong rivals, but it is getting close to that point.
Friday's game could go a long way in establishing the rivalry.
Both teams are 0-1 in region play – and with only five region games this season – every region game is crucial.
"We've talked about the importance of region games," Nunley said. "They understand each is important.
The winner of this game will keep its playoff hopes in check. The loser will have an uphill battle to secure one of the four playoff spots available in the six-team region.
Last year Tharptown was poised to earn its first victory against Vina, but the Red Devils intercepted a pass late in the fourth quarter to steal the victory.
Nunley said that some of the players are probably thinking about that game, but they cannot let it influence preparations for this year's rematch.
"I'm sure they (remember it). We haven't had a chance to talk about it yet," Nunley said. "It is in the past and we have to stay focused on this year.
The game is at 7 p.m. at Tharptown.