For the first time in over a month, the South Greene Rebels (5-1, 2-0) return home for an important Region 1-2A contest with the Eagleton Academy Royals (4-3, 1-1).
“It’s a huge game,” Rebels Head Coach Shawn Jones expressed. “We sure ain’t taking them lightly. It’s going to be a tough game. The good thing is we’ve got them up here on Rebel Hill. It’s only the second time we’ve been here this year.”
He continued, “It’s going to be another tough hard-nosed game this week with Eagleton.”
It’s only the second meeting between both programs as Eagleton is in their second season of varsity action. Last year’s contest ended with South Greene holding on to a tight 20-19 win. A failed two-point conversion allowed the Rebels to escape Maryville with a win.
The stakes are just as high as they were last year. South Greene currently holds the top spot in the Region 1-2A standings with a 2-0 record, but Eagleton is creeping right behind at 1-1. Lurking between them are Happy Valley and Hampton with 2-1 records. In the event of an Eagleton win, there would be four teams with one loss in the region.
Luckily for South Greene, they still control their own destiny and could strengthen their grip on the competition with a win on Friday night.
“I told the boys this week we’re in playoff mode. Every week we’re in playoff mode the rest of the year because you have to have that mentality so you don’t slip up,” Coach Jones said. “If we win out, nobody can touch us. And that’s what we gotta do.”
Eagleton’s offense is led by quarterback Nathan Clemmer and running back Colton Relation. They help supply 27 points-per-game. Their defense is allowing 19 points-per-game. The Royals are coming off their bye week, but most recently defeated North Greene 62-28.
“We’ve got to play really good defense. They’re probably the best offense we’ve seen all year,” Jones explained.
South Greene is fresh off their biggest win of the season with a 21-6 win over Happy Valley to take that top spot in the conference. They ended the Warriors’ 13-game regular season winning streak.
The Rebels pride themselves on a great defense that has only allowed 10 points-per-game this season. They have outscored their opponents 194-63 and have a point differential of +131. They average 32 points-per-game on offense.
“I think a lot of people are overlooking our defense this year. It’s been spot on and we just have to keep that up. I always say offense gets your name and picture in the paper, but defense wins championships. We’ve got to continue to play good defense,” Coach Jones mentioned.
Tripp Neas took over in the backfield last week after Nash Rader sustained an injury and turned in an electric trio of touchdowns to help South Greene win. This week they look to bring Rader back into the fold while still using Neas to carry the rock.
Friday night will be homecoming night on Rebel Hill. Those festivities will be held prior to the game. Kickoff is set for 7:00.
