Greenville preparing for a not so Pleasant Grove
Published 12:00 am Wednesday, November 29, 2006
And then, there was one. Following Friday night's round of playoff games, it was the Greenville Tigers who were left standing as the only Butler County team remaining in the playoffs.
In the AISA Class AAA playoffs, Bessemer “University” upended the Fort Dale Academy Eagles, 39-0, in the semifinal game.
The Eagles finished the 2006 season 10-2 and ended the regular season with the best record Fort Dale has had since head coach James “Speed” Sampley's arrival eight years ago.
Georgiana also dropped their playoff game at American Christian in Northport, 41-15, and finished the 2006 season at 5-6.
The Panthers put together an impressive three-game win streak to close out the regular season and downed the No. 1 ranked Southern Choctaw Indians early in the season, but it wasn't enough as Brad Smelley directed a Patriot victory over Georgiana Friday night.
Here is this week's pick:
Greenville @ Pleasant Grove
The Tigers faced a tough, traditional power in Demopolis Friday and survived to tell about it.
Demopolis, who has won state championships in Class 4A, was overwhelmed by the Greenville defense and only gained 75 total yards all night.
Standout running back Lucious Haywood, who scored five touchdowns in the regular season finale, was held without a touchdown against Greenville and was virtually not a factor in the game.
Greenville's rushing attack continued to dominate as junior quarterback Casey Weston and senior running back Brandon Cheatham both found the end zone for a score.
Cheatham, who had 107 on 17 carries, also had three receptions for 20 yards and a touchdown on a fake field goal pass from senior receiver Lynn Lewis.
This week's opponent, the Pleasant Grove Spartans, have a huge defensive line and will look to stop the Greenville run first and foremost.
The Spartans play a lot of man-defense, meaning it could open up the Greenville passing game for Weston.
Weston, who has 18 rushing touchdowns, has a strong and accurate arm and senior receiver Lewis has been looking to have a break out game.
Playing on the road is tough, especially in the playoffs, and if the Tigers can score early and silence the Spartan faithful, the third round could just be a week away…
Greenville 24, Pleasant Grove 21.
Last week: 4-3
Overall: 61-31
Austin Phillips is The Greenville Advocate sports editor.
You can contact him by e-mailing austin.phillips@greenvilleadvocate.com or by calling 382-3111 ext. 122.