GRUNDY COUNTY YELLOW JACKETS (1-0) at SOUTH PITTSBURG PIRATES (0-0)
Tonight, 8
Last time: South Pittsburg won 53-14 last year.
This time: The longer Grundy keeps the game close, the more confidence its players will perform with. The Jackets’ hopes of staying close into the second half will depend on how well the offensive line, led by Austin Fults (6-3, 330), controls the Pirates’ defensive front. South Pittsburg’s defensive speed will need to gang-tackle Grundy’s physical RB Johnny Cook (5-10, 190).
Time to shine: Grundy will try to control the ball and the clock as long as possible, limiting South Pittsburg’s offensive chances, so Cook will need another big night. Last week he ran for 230 yards and three touchdowns and also made eight tackles and a sack. The Pirates thrive on gashing opponents for big plays, putting them in catch-up mode early. Junior RB Demetric Johnson (6-1, 180) and senior WR Antonio Chubb (5-11, 175) have the ability to turn any play into one of those big gains.