(This interview was recorded Tuesday, Nov. 14, at Malakoff High School with Coach Jamie Driskell.)
By Michael V. Hannigan
It'll be Tiger vs Tiger Friday night in Tyler.
The undefeated Malakoff Tigers (11-0) will face the Mount Vernon Tigers (8-3) at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Tyler-Rose Stadium in the Area Round of the playoffs.
Malakoff beat Maypearl 49-0 in bi-district action last week while Mount Vernon is coming off a 49-7 win over Gladewater.
(Post sponsored by Tinsley Law & Title, Holt Wrecker, R&R lawn specialists, GILBERT ELECTRIC)
According to Malakoff Coach Jamie Driskell, Mount Vernon is fast and hard-hitting, and has a linebacker with DI potential.
"They've got a couple of kids defensively that will hit you and they play really, really hard," he said.
The Mount Vernon defense will also try and confuse Malakoff by presenting different fronts and rolling its secondary.
"Things are going to change play by play," Coach Driskell said, "so we've just got to be able to think on the run a little bit."
On the other side of the ball, Mount Vernon has some speed on the outside and a running back who runs hard.
"Their quarterback is pretty good, and they've got some receivers that can really go get it," Coach Driskell said.
"We've got our hands full and our work cut out for us," he said.
The good news for Malakoff is they had an extra day to rest, which is important this time of the year when everyone is a little nicked up.
"It's good to have that extra day of preparation; it's good to have that extra day of recovery," Coach Driskell said.
Malakoff also gets to play close to home again. Last week, Malakoff fans turned out to support the team despite the weather, and the team is hoping for more of the same this week.
"Hopefully, we can fill the stands this week because the weather is supposed to be beautiful," said Coach Driskell.
Other topics covered in the podcast:
Back in Coach Driskell's office
Drying out after Maypearl
The need to play physical football
Keeping the routine during the week
The offensive line
PLAYOFFS: Malakoff takes on Mount Vernon in Tyler Friday night