ScoutSouth.com: Trojans visit the 'Dawg House

Opelika came into last week’s game off a rough loss to Tuscaloosa County, and were a little shaky offensively in the first half against Blount (6-5) in the first round of the playoffs. They led 12-0 at the half, but wound up winning convincingly 29-6.

Coach Spence McCracken’s defense was, once again, stellar limiting Blount to 67 yards rushing (2.2 yards per carry) and 100 yards passing (9 for 21). The Dawgs accounted for three sacks, five quarterback pressures and nine pass breakups.

The leading tackler just as he has been all season was junior Josh Rowe with 12 requests to be seated.

Daphne’s first round matchup resulted in a strong 49-14 performance over a good Stanhope Elmore (7-4) team that came into the contest by winning their first seven and losing their next four.

This week the competition for both teams takes on a decidedly more difficult air. Coach Glenn Vickery’s Daphne Trojans have become synonymous with dogged play. They also came into the playoffs off a sub-par effort, but theirs resulted in a win 10-7 over Murphy.

Senior Coley White is the rabbit the 'Dawgs will chase this week at quarterback.

Senior Auburn University running back commitment Reggie Hunt will be close to his new home come next fall. Hunt has racked up over 800 yards rushing while missing time early due to an ankle sprain.

The duo could cook up problems for the stingy 'Dawg defense.

The Opelika secondary is their strong suit with four seniors, but the middle man at linebacker has been the surprise. Josh Rowe has accounted for 97 tackles and five sacks.

This is a team that took Prattville to a 10-7 final score. Prattville averages scoring just over 43 points per game. They are really the only team to put any pressure on the undefeated Lions.

Coach Vickery's bunch can play defense too, the team gives up only 8.3 points per game compared to Opelika's 8.1.

As a matter of record, both of these teams have a rival score to settle that would come two games from now. The winner of this match-up could face Prattville or Daphne rival Foley. The Trojans lost a close match up 16-14 to Foley earlier this fall.

That road may be rocky with a possible opponent of undefeated McGill-Toolen in their path.

Opelika needs to be a little more productive on offense this week, protecting the ball (three turnovers last week) and staying out of third and long.

Quarterback Brooks Robinson had some success throwing the ball last week going eight for 10 for 87 yards and a touchdown. Fifty-seven of those yards came on three first downs plays. Staying out of pressure pass situations will help the junior quarterback.

This should be the one to watch in 6A tonight. Listen LIVE Friday night (here).

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