(This interview was recorded via phone with Coach Jamie Driskell on Wednesday, Nov. 29.)
By Michael V. Hannigan
The next step is the hardest so far for the Malakoff Tigers.
Malakoff will take on the Winnsboro Red Raiders in Forney Friday night in the Class 3A, Division 1, Region 2 Championship game. Both teams are 13-0.
"They'll be the best team that we've seen by far," said Malakoff Coach Jamie Driskell. "I feel like we're probably the best team they've seen, as well."
Winnsboro is led by quarterback Kyler Finney, son of Head Coach Josh Finney.
"He's an exceptionally good player," said Coach Driskell. "He kind of makes them go offensively. He can run, and he can throw it."
Offensively, the Red Raiders will mix things up using different formations.
"On defense, the first thing is getting us aligned right and getting us in the right spots," Coach Driskell said. "And then, obviously, you've got to fly around and play hard after that."
Defensively, they will try and do the same thing by lining up in a variety of fronts.
"We've got to see what they're going to give us," Coach Driskell said. "We've got to take it and exploit it."
The Tigers are doing a little better on the health front than they have in the past couple of weeks.
"It's the playoffs, and so there's going to be some bumps and bruises and bangs," Coach Driskell said. "They've done well as far as getting treatment and just kind of hanging in there. They've done what they needed to do to get their bodies right, so we're in pretty good shape for this time of the year."
The crowd could be a factor Friday night, according to Coach Driskell.
"Momentum is a huge thing in football and just getting that adrenaline going," he said. "And so the kids need to see fans up in the stands and cheering them on for sure. Especially at this point in the season."
"These last two weeks have been great; hopefully, we can build on that. Get something to eat in Forney, and then come support these kiddos."
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
(Post sponsored by Tinsley Law & Title, Holt Wrecker, R&R lawn specialists, GILBERT ELECTRIC)
PLAYOFFS: Malakoff travels to Forney to face Winnsboro on Friday