This is a must-win game for both teams. Maiden hasn't lost four consecutive games since Ronald Reagan was in the White House. And the Blue Devils haven't missed the playoffs in a long time, either. But that's what they are facing if they can't find a way to beat the Red Tornadoes. Hickory needs to get right with this season in a hurry. There is no time left for soul-searching and "figuring things out." With Fred T. Foard and Newton-Conover up next things could get out of hand very quickly. As it is, Hickory is facing a potential playoff problem. Keep in mind that the CVAC only receives two playoff spots for its trio of 3A teams. Somebody is always the odd man out. In the past three years that has been somebody else's problem - not Hickory's. But after losing to St. Stephens last week and with Fred T. Foard coming to town next week it just might be Hickory left without a chair when the music stops. The last time Hickory lost to Foard was also the last time Hickory failed to make the playoffs. That's ominous. Please note that I'm suggesting that a loss to Foard automatically means Hickory won't go to the playoffs. That's not how it works. But obviously losing to both St. Stephens and Foard would put Hickory in a difficult spot. The Red Tornadoes must finish the season ahead of at least one of those teams.
I don't know why the Maiden folks decided to go ahead and play the game tonight in the rain. The Blue Devils want to establish their passing game and make good use of quarterback Justin Sizemore. The running game is not that strong and it got even less strong with the suspension of fullback Joshua Friday. The bad weather should not affect Hickory nearly as much. The offense is geared toward pounding the ball. The rain shouldn't be a factor. Perhaps Brian Brown has come up with a completely new strategy...or maybe he just wants to get this over with.
The big question tonight: Who wants it more?
No comments:
Post a Comment