Rebels look to make it two in a row, face Pioneers in Week 2

Jason Peevyhouse

Editor, JP Productions Sports

The Rebels went to Tiptonville and returned to Troy last Friday night with a win and the “Battle of Reelfoot” trophy in hand.

While there is no trophy on the line this Friday night, Obion County Central will look to come home for a second road trip with a “W” in hand as they travel to Dyer to take on Gibson County.

Central Head Coach Clayton Morris said he wants his team to keep up its intensity after last week’s emotional season-opening win.

“Really want our kids to find a way to sustain the intensity we start the game with, and not allow it to lull,” Morris said. “Last 2 games we have started extremely fast, then drag down a bit before we pick it back up.”

Looking at Gibson County, who lost a lopsided game to West Carroll last week, Morris sees an offense that still looks dangerous despite being held to just seven points last week.

“On offense, Gibson County’s QBs ability to use his legs to make plays and extend plays cause me concern,” the Central head coach said. “We have to be very disciplined defensively.”

Morris said the linebacking corp need to have a good game for the Rebels to be successful.

“We need a big night from our outside linebackers on defense this week,” Morris said. “They have to play well and be disciplined.”

On the other side of the ball, Morris expects some aggression from the Pioneer defensive attack.

“On defense, they are going to bring pressure,” the Central head coach said. “We have to do a good job of having our eyes up and picking it up.”

Morris said Central quarterback Tucker Phelon will need to have a big game to relieve pressure on other parts of the Rebel offense.

“On offense, we need a big night from our sophomore QB,” Morris explained. The heat is gonna be on our RBs.

“He has to take some pressure off them this week.”

The Pioneers have lost two of their last 21 games. Obion County holds an 18-6 record against Gibson County in the overall series and has won eight of the last nine games against the Pioneers.

Heading into Friday night, Morris is keeping his focus on his Rebels on the field.

“We just have to continue to focus on us and how we do things as well as clean up penalties,” the Central head coach said.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Gibson County High School in Dyer.

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