ScoutSouth.com: Hillcrest at Gadsden City

The Gadsden City Titans (9-1, 6-1) will host the Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa Patriots (5-5, 4-3) for the first round of the Class 6A State Playoffs, Friday night. Although the records do not match, the Patriots are 4-1 when playing on the road as they are this week.

Coach Joe Billingsley’s Titans will rely heavily on defense led by big time defensive end/linebacker Jerrell Harris and defensive back five-star Dre Kirkpatrick. Gadsden City only allows 13 points per game and they score 20 points per game.

The Titan offense is led by quarterback Brad Clay and running back/wide receiver Kendall Kelly.

On the other side, Hillcrest needs a big performance from running back Ellis Hill who has carried the offense all season. This offense scores 26 points per contest and gives up right around 24. Quarterback Whit Wright will need to protect the ball, and the Patriots will have to control the clock by running it with Ellis Hill.

The keys to this game are to play solid defense and control the ball on offense. Neither team can afford to make any mistakes.

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