Saints, Tigers gearing up for
battle
by Kevin
Johnson
kevin.johnson@rankinledger.com
McLaurin coach Steve
Pruett knows his team will be overmatched when hitting the gridiron
against Region 6-2A champs St. Andrew's.
It will be the third meeting between the Tigers and the Saints, and the
first playoff game between the two teams. Earlier this season, McLaurin
fell to the Saints 30-6, and Pruett's team will face a offense averaging
369 yards per game.
"Everyone, start praying for us," said Pruett. "They're a championship
team and won their region. If you look at our last game with them, I don't
know if we had two first downs the whole game."
But St. Andrew's coach David Bradberry has a different take after
reviewing recent film of the Tigers (2-8). He said injuries plagued
McLaurin early in the season, and several skill players return. Now using
a spread offense, McLaurin is somewhat revamped since its earlier meeting
with the Saints (9-1).
And Bradberry thinks Pruett's plea for prayers is a little hyperbole.
"That's what I would call 'coach-speak,'" said Bradberry. "I know him
well enough that Steve (Pruett) will have those kids sky high. It's the
playoffs and we're all 0-0."
Pruett says his team is healthy, including running back and linebacker
Anthony Walker, quarterback Michael Young, running back Timmy Williams and
defensive tackle Devin Ates.
Coming off a 42-26 rivalry win over Pelahatchie, Pruett hopes
linebackers Brad Chevalier and Michael Blair can turn in more fine
performances. Chevalier had 18 tackles last week, while Blair had 13 and
recovered a fumble. Both have to contain the Saints' productive offense.
"We have to get their offense off the field as quick as possible," said
Pruett. "Last time, we got them off the field, but it was after they
scored a touchdown, and that's not how we want to do it."
Pruett said St. Andrew's is a class program and quarterback Conway
Craig (1,158 pass yards, 524 rushing, 23 total touchdowns) and all-purpose
back Bradford Blackmon (1,886 total yards, 23 total touchdowns) deserve
all of the recognition they get.
"Everything they do is so impressive," said Pruett, "and coach
Bradberry puts them in positions to win."
The Saints have other weapons . Bradberry said teams key in on Craig
and Blackmon, freeing up senior receiver Lee Smith (351 yards, 6
touchdowns), and fullback David Marsh (118 yards). His backup John Spann
has come along, and Craig likes receivers Trevor Hanlon and William
Mayfield. But Bradberry has pride in his defense.
"That's the reason we're 9-1," he said. "Our defensive front and
linebackers have played well all year."
The Saints defense will try to contain Tigers signal-caller Michael
Young (713 passing, 270 rushing, 12 total touchdowns), and his receivers
Sedrick Walker (405 yards, four touchdowns) and Ben Lugo (292 yards, three
touchdowns).
The Tigers are a little more successful despite its 2-8 record,
Bradberry said.
"Look at that bunch they have to play," he said. "Taylorsville, Mize,
Heidelberg, Bay Springs. That can wear on your record a bit."
Friday's first round playoff game kicks off at 7 p.m.
