LOG MOUNTAIN — There’s a lot on the line for the Bell County Bobcats tonight as they travel to Corbin. Not only can Bell hang a loss on their closest district rival, with a win the Bobcats clinch first place in District 4 and home games through the playoffs.
“There is so much to play for. This game is for a district championship for us and a chance to host playoff games,” said Bobcat coach Wayne Mills. “Our kids are excited. It’s going to be a great atmosphere up there and Corbin is a tradition-rich school.”
This will Bell County’s (6-1, 2-0 in district play) first trip to Corbin (3-4, 1-1) since 2007. The Bobcats needed a last second field goal from Monte Merrick to pull out a 17-14 win in that one. Mills said this year’s Redhounds are capable of playing his Bobcats tough again.
“They’re a 3-4 team, but every one of those losses have been by six points or less. They’re a dangerous team, it’s a tough place to play, and they don’t have anything to lose,” he said. “They know they’re going to be the third seed regardless and if they can beat us it would salvage their season.”
Bell County won last season’s match-up 42-14, that was the first meeting between the long-time rivals since 2007.
“Wayne County has been a rival the last two years, but we live with Corbin. This will be the first time these kids have played a football game there since they were in middle school,” Mills added. “Like Wayne County last year, this could be a team that we see again down the road (in the playoffs) — they’re that good.”
Matt Jewell leads Corbin with over 700 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. Jake Coppock has added another 300 yards and a score. Taylor Waddle has thrown for 344 yards and three TDs with Josh Jewell his favorite target with 24 receptions for 292 yards.
Mills is preparing his Bobcats for plenty of trick plays as Corbin coach Steve Jewell has been known to dig deep into his playbook.
“We’ve just got to play a complete game,” he said. “We’ve got to stay disciplined on defense, but the main thing is to focus on our team executing like it should and come out ready to play.”
Tonight’s game kicks off at 7:30 p.m.
Post a Comment
