South Pittsburg: Pirates eager for real test at Tyner

The video game type numbers are likely to come to an end, but South Pittsburg’s stable of offensive weapons is eager for the challenge.

The defending Class 1A state champion Pirates, top-ranked again, have invoked the mercy rule against all four opponents this season, winning by an average of 59-5. But many of the starters said they have been looking forward to the challenge they should get this week at Tyner, state-ranked in 2A.

“This is basically the beginning of my season,” said Pirates senior all-state running back and linebacker David Jones, who has caused five fumbles in four games. “I’ve had to make the most of what little time we get to be out there. I’m just flying to the ball and letting people know they’ll pay for coming into my area.

“This is the first team we play that I can count on playing for four quarters and showing what kind of playmaker I am. I’ve tried to make a highlight every time I’ve gotten the the ball, but it’s been kind of boring lately.”

For the second season Jones is averaging nearly 11 yards per carry, and he leads the area in scoring with 13 touchdowns on just 38 carries. Last week he ran just three times for 121 yards, scoring on all three carries, while backfield mate Montrell Mitchell added 130 yards on three carries and two TDs.

In that 70-6 win, the Pirates — who lead the area in points scored, rushing offense and total offense — scored seven touchdowns on their 11 first-half offensive snaps, and for the third consecutive week the starters got little action in the second half.

“All our backs have been frustrated because none have had more than 11 carries in any game,” South Pittsburg coach Vic Grider said. “They all want to show what they can do for four quarters, but they haven’t gotten to yet. But we’ll need them all this week.

“They’re the only team on our schedule that can run with us. That creates all sorts of problems we’re not used to seeing. My biggest concern is they’ve played a lot better competition. It makes me wonder how we’ll react when somebody hits us back. We’ve got a lot of kids who have never been in that type environment. But win or lose, this game will make us better for the playoffs.”

The game doesn’t just feature the area’s top two scoring offenses, but South Pittsburg also ranks among the stingiest defenses, having yet to allow more than 57 rushing yards (1.6 per carry), while Tyner has limited each of its five opponents to fewer than 123 rushing yards.

Last year’s meeting wasn’t decided until South Pittsburg recovered a fumble at its 10 with six seconds left to preserve a four-point win. And this week Tyner is coming off an upset loss at Marion County, only the third loss to a Region 3-2A opponent since 1997. That defeat ensured that Rams coach Wayne Turner would get his team’s attention this week.

“Before this week is over, we’ll understand blocking or I’ll run some of their butts off,” Turner said. “We’re going to push that dang blocking sled up and down the field all week. Neither of our starting receivers dressed last week, and they better be ready to practice and block this week or they’ll be back on the sideline next to me.

“I didn’t even watch the tape of last week’s game. I’d already seen enough, and I didn’t want to see that garbage anymore. Maybe South Pitt will get lost on the way over here. They’re awfully dang good with great talent at the skill positions.”

Marion’s Warriors are the only common opponent, having lost their season opener at South Pittsburg before snapping a 12-game losing skid to upset Tyner in Jasper. The Warriors are the first team this season to hold Tyner runner Michael Poarch under 100 yards.

“Tyner beat themselves against us, but I’d say they’ll be a lot more focused this week,” Marion coach Troy Boeck said. “Tyner is gigantic up front and probably more physical. You won’t make a living running on them. But South Pittsburg has more speed and weapons all over the field.

“Both teams have great backs. David will run through you, and Poarch is more shifty and will make you look silly trying to tackle him. The difference may be at quarterback. Tyner doesn’t throw it much, but South Pittsburg can. It should be a lot of fun to watch.”