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Tech, Batesville tussle for state playoff bid
By Chad Miller
cmiller@paragoulddailypress.com
Forget Michael Jackson’s movie. For the Greene County Tech Golden Eagles ... This is it!
If GCT defeats the Batesville Pioneers tonight, they are guaranteed a spot in the playoffs. If not, they would have to beat crosstown rival Paragould next week and hope other 5A-East teams lose. GCT coach Jeff Conaway said tonight’s game is “the biggest game since 1991,” the last time the Golden Eagles made the playoffs.
“This is it! If we win, we do something that has not been done in 19 years,” he said. “This is a huge game.”
However, Conaway said the wet weather conditions have hindered the Eagles’ practice this week. He said the team has been forced to practice in a gym because the wet field conditions could cause injury and GCT has been lucky enough to avoid serious injuries this season.
“We’re doing the best with what we’ve got,” Conaway said. “We’re making the most of our situation.”
Conaway said he knows GCT is in for another tough, physical game this week. He said the team has put their heartbreaking loss to West Helena last week behind them and become focused on beating Batesville (5-2-1, 3-2 district).
“I think (my) team will respond well with their backs against the wall,” Conaway said. “You really don’t have a whole lot of time to sit and feel sorry for yourself when you lose because one week later, you’ve got to play again. We have a ‘24-hour rule.’ Win, lose or draw, after 24 hours, you forget about it and move on.”
Conaway said the Pioneers are very well coached. He said Batesville coach Dave King and his staff have built a strong Pioneer football program and the fact that there are several new faces on this year’s Batesville squad does not lessen his expectations of them.
“Any time you face a strong healthy program, it’s always going to be a battle,” Conaway said. “Even when they have a team that’s young, they’re still good. They still play great on Friday nights. That’s what we’re expecting. We’re going to have to bring our best attempt to beat them, regardless if there are sophomores, juniors or seniors on the field.”
Conaway said in order for the Eagles to put points on the board, they are going to need a great game out of quarterback Justin Johnson. He said Johnson will have to put the offensive line in a position to protect him and avoid getting sacked.
“(Johnson) has got to get back there and make plays,” Conaway said. “He’s got to throw the ball and make great decisions. Whenever you play a defense that is aggressive and does a lot of things with their schemes, the quarterback has got to play well.”
Aside from Johnson, Conaway said the Eagles are also going to need great performances out of other offensive weapons like Standrick Williams and Caleb Hartwig. He said Williams’ athletic ability makes him a threat working out of the “Wild Eagle” formation and Hartwig will have to beat a lot of man coverage in order to get open against the Pioneers.
However, Conaway said the game could come down to if the GCT defense can keep Batesville out of the end zone. He said defensive players like Kyle Davis, Tanner Wright and Dave Fair will all have to play their best.
“We would love for our defense to force turnovers,” Conaway said. “We need to keep that up. When they play fast and physical, good things happen.”
Conaway said if the Eagles could pull out a victory tonight, the celebration will be big, but it will also be short-lived because they must prepare for Paragould next week.
“I believe it’s time for GCT to go back to the playoffs,” Conaway said. “It will be a monumental time in our program. So, we’re hoping for the best.”
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at Batesville High School.
5A-East Standings
League Overall
Forrest City 5-0 7-1
Tech 3-2 6-2
Batesville 3-2 5-2-1
Helena-W. Helena 3-2 4-4
Wynne 3-2 4-4
Blytheville 2-3 2-5-1
Paragould 1-4 2-6
Nettleton 0-5 1-7
If GCT defeats the Batesville Pioneers tonight, they are guaranteed a spot in the playoffs. If not, they would have to beat crosstown rival Paragould next week and hope other 5A-East teams lose. GCT coach Jeff Conaway said tonight’s game is “the biggest game since 1991,” the last time the Golden Eagles made the playoffs.
“This is it! If we win, we do something that has not been done in 19 years,” he said. “This is a huge game.”
However, Conaway said the wet weather conditions have hindered the Eagles’ practice this week. He said the team has been forced to practice in a gym because the wet field conditions could cause injury and GCT has been lucky enough to avoid serious injuries this season.
“We’re doing the best with what we’ve got,” Conaway said. “We’re making the most of our situation.”
Conaway said he knows GCT is in for another tough, physical game this week. He said the team has put their heartbreaking loss to West Helena last week behind them and become focused on beating Batesville (5-2-1, 3-2 district).
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Conaway said the Pioneers are very well coached. He said Batesville coach Dave King and his staff have built a strong Pioneer football program and the fact that there are several new faces on this year’s Batesville squad does not lessen his expectations of them.
“Any time you face a strong healthy program, it’s always going to be a battle,” Conaway said. “Even when they have a team that’s young, they’re still good. They still play great on Friday nights. That’s what we’re expecting. We’re going to have to bring our best attempt to beat them, regardless if there are sophomores, juniors or seniors on the field.”
Conaway said in order for the Eagles to put points on the board, they are going to need a great game out of quarterback Justin Johnson. He said Johnson will have to put the offensive line in a position to protect him and avoid getting sacked.
“(Johnson) has got to get back there and make plays,” Conaway said. “He’s got to throw the ball and make great decisions. Whenever you play a defense that is aggressive and does a lot of things with their schemes, the quarterback has got to play well.”
Aside from Johnson, Conaway said the Eagles are also going to need great performances out of other offensive weapons like Standrick Williams and Caleb Hartwig. He said Williams’ athletic ability makes him a threat working out of the “Wild Eagle” formation and Hartwig will have to beat a lot of man coverage in order to get open against the Pioneers.
However, Conaway said the game could come down to if the GCT defense can keep Batesville out of the end zone. He said defensive players like Kyle Davis, Tanner Wright and Dave Fair will all have to play their best.
“We would love for our defense to force turnovers,” Conaway said. “We need to keep that up. When they play fast and physical, good things happen.”
Conaway said if the Eagles could pull out a victory tonight, the celebration will be big, but it will also be short-lived because they must prepare for Paragould next week.
“I believe it’s time for GCT to go back to the playoffs,” Conaway said. “It will be a monumental time in our program. So, we’re hoping for the best.”
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at Batesville High School.
5A-East Standings
League Overall
Forrest City 5-0 7-1
Tech 3-2 6-2
Batesville 3-2 5-2-1
Helena-W. Helena 3-2 4-4
Wynne 3-2 4-4
Blytheville 2-3 2-5-1
Paragould 1-4 2-6
Nettleton 0-5 1-7
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| Siloam Springs turns back GCT, advances to finals | Rams host Blytheville on Senior Night |
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