It’s like the Rockdale Tigers are getting a fresh set of downs on Friday night. District play starts Friday and the Tigers are 0-0. No wins but no losses. Fresh wind is blowing into the sails of Big Blue as our own two-time state champions play the defending state champion Franklin Lions in Franklin.
The Lions are 5- 0 overall and are 1-0 in district coming off a road win against McGregor. The final in that game was 55-7.
The Lions are deep, they have a plurality of running backs that could start for any team in Texas. They have diversity at the quarterback position, this baller throws, runs and blocks. It’s almost as if Franklin gets to play with 12 men on offense because of how they use this kid.
Rockdale Defensive Coordinator Rene Muniz has his work cut out for him, as Franklin has outscored their opponents this year 218-73. The Tigers are definitely going to have to win some match-ups, work hard at taking the passing game out and be ready to make some tackles as these runners come out of the backfield.
Defensively, Frank- lin is scary good, they are super aggressive, but here’s the thing, Tiger Nation needs to remember: We have our own quar terback that has wheels and an arm and our offense can make explosive plays that make the crowd go crazy.
Tigers like Kemar Spencer, Sawyer Chalk, Blaydn Barcak, Gerren Marrero-Carter, De’Andre Stephens, Erick Sheppard are all gas and no brake.
I like how Tiger Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Hunter Hamrick put it on Tuesday morning, “We have to practice for Franklin but Franklin has to practice for us.”
Not only that but while we have to play the Lions, the Lions have to play the Tigers. Like we used to cheer when I was in school, “ The mighty, mighty Tigers!”
Coach Hamrick and the rest of his coaching staff have been telling this team all year that the goal is to get better with every rep and every game. The ultimate goal Friday is to win and these Tigers have that kind of thinking. We want the Lions to enjoy their homecoming dance after the game but even more than that we want the Tigers to enjoy the bus ride back to the Rock with a district win.
Junior lineman Zakobe Anderson is still out with an injury and not expected back for another week. Several skill players have some minor injuries but all are expected to play Friday night.
The Tigers are looking to gain some momentum in the wins and losses department. Playing well enough to get into the playoffs is on all of our to-do lists, starting yet another new season— playoff season. Could the Tigers win on Friday? You bet, it’s what Tigers do! Let’s go Blue and Gold!
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