(This interview was recorded on Tuesday, Dec. 12, with Malakoff Coach Jamie Driskell.)
By Michael V. Hannigan
The Tigers have been working for this moment since last season ended.
The Malakoff Tigers (15-0) will face the Franklin Lions (14-1) at 3 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, at AT&T Stadium in the Class 3A D1 Championship Game.
"We feel a great sense of accomplishment," said Malakoff Coach Jamie Driskell, "but at the same time, we're not done yet."
It won't be an easy task. This is the fourth consecutive year Franklin has reached the championship game. They are 2-1 over the past three years.
"There's a reason why they're two-time defending state champs," said Coach Driskell. "They've got a great program. Coach Fannin and them over there do an extremely great job."
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The Lions run a Slot-T offense, which means the quarterback is under center, and they run the ball most of the time, although they do throw the ball a few times a game.
Even though it doesn't look like the spread offenses that are more common today, it is still very explosive. The Lions haven't scored less than 49 points in their last nine games.
Franklin also likes to snap the ball quickly after they come to the line of scrimmage, making it important that the Tigers get lined up properly.
"They feed off of trying to outnumber you all the time," said Coach Driskell. "It's going to be important that we get lined up and then get there and make the tackle."
Field position could be a key factor on Thursday afternoon.
"If they get the ball close to the 50, then the way they see it, they've got four downs to get 10 yards," said Coach Driskell. "If we can keep them on their side of the field, then they've got three downs to get 10 yards, so we think field position is going to be a big part of that."
Franklin will also have its work cut out for it trying to stop Malakoff on the other side of the ball. The Tigers have been held under 40 points just twice all season.
"We have to execute when we have the ball," said Coach Driskell.
Quarterback Mike Jones has been on a roll running the ball, scoring three rushing touchdowns of 30-plus yards in the playoffs. Jerrion Hall has had 12 rushing touchdowns during this playoff run.
Big plays have fueled the Tigers, who have scored on 16 plays of 30 yards or more during the postseason.
The Tigers have been a team on a mission since the offseason and Thursday, they get a shot at their final goal.
"It's been a great season, but we're going there to win this thing. We're not just going to show up and have fun and be satisfied with getting there," said Coach Driskell, "we want to go win this thing."
STATE CHAMPIONSHIP: Malakoff faces Franklin Thursday at AT&T Stadium