(This interview was recorded by phone with Coach Jamie Driskell on Tuesday, Nov. 21.)
By Michael V. Hannigan
Fans have been waiting for this one.
Malakoff will take on Grandview at 2 p.m. Friday at E.H. Hanby Stadium in Mesquite in a Class 3A DI Regional playoff game.
Malakoff comes into the game with a 12-0 record, while Grandview is 11-1. The Zebra's only loss this year came against Malakoff in the second week of the season when the Tigers raced past them, 51-21.
But 10 weeks is a long time in a football season.
"They haven't lost a game since they played us," said Malakoff Coach Jamie Driskell. "They've gotten hot and on a roll."
These two teams know each other very well, facing off 10 times in the past six years.
"Their staff does a really, really good job with those kids. They're always sound offensively and defensively," said Coach Driskell.
"It's just hard to get them to make mistakes, and that's what's so difficult about playing Grandview," he said.
To win, Malakoff is going to have to overcome some injuries. Running backs Jerrion Hall and Bubba Hicks are both hurting.
"It's the typical time of the year where teams have guys that are banged up," said Coach Driskell. "Jerrion and Bubba have not practiced this week hardly at all. We have some concerns there for sure."
If there's a team experienced enough to overcome adversity, it's the Tigers. This year marks the sixth consecutive season Malakoff has played in the third round of the playoffs and seven of the last eight.
Fans should also know their way to the game. Coach Driskell said this is the fifth time the Tigers have played at Hanby Stadium.
"Hopefully, we'll get a bunch of people there full of turkey and ready to cheer us on," he said.
(Post sponsored by Tinsley Law & Title, Holt Wrecker, R&R lawn specialists, GILBERT ELECTRIC)
PLAYOFFS: Malakoff squares off against Grandview in Class 3A DI Regionals