A lot on line for Milan-Dyersburg

There’s a lot on the line this week as Milan’s football team travels to Dyersburg, but it’s not clear what exactly is on the line yet.

“We know this is a big game – an important game,” said Milan head coach Jeff Morris. “We know there’s a lot riding on it.

“We hope at least second place in the region and a home playoff game is on the line, but South Gibson will have a lot to say about that.”

The Bulldogs and Trojans each already have a loss in Region 7-3A play as they’ve both played Liberty. They each have yet to play South Gibson, though, and the Hornets are undefeated.

But for right now, the main focus for both teams is on each other.

The Trojans and Bulldogs are similar to each other.

They both have big offensive lines with capable backs behind them carrying the ball.

Milan has a stable of backs who all have potential to have a good night. Jacquez Norman, Anthony Ballard and J.P. Porter have all had good nights in one game or another.

Deashun Fields is Dyersburg’s running back who has racked up a lot of yards already for the Trojans. His status is questionable after he came out of the game last week against South Side after the first series and never returned to the game.

Dyersburg went on to a 28-2 victory after struggling early on.

“We’re both good teams with solid rushing games, which is what most people expect out of both of us,” Morris said. “And that’s how both of our programs have won a lot of our games.

“The Fields kid is a runaway train. He’s 220 pounds, but he’s a track sprinter that can get away from you if you let him get into space. I hope we can keep that from happening, but he’s a quality back that tilts the field for them.”

This will be Milan’s first trip back to Dyersburg since the Bulldogs lost there in 2013 41-3 during the one season in the last 32 in which the Bulldogs didn’t make the playoffs.

That game has no bearing on what will happen this week, but Morris knows the Dyersburg team they’re traveling to play has looked as good as the one from three years ago at times.

“There are some similarities, but there are things both teams did or do that the other one doesn’t,” Morris said. “Either way, it’s going to be a tough opponent for us, and we plan to be a tough opponent for them too.”

Brandon Shields, 425-9751