Hawks try to break trend at Hornets

South Gibson’s opponent from South Side may be a team that’s failed to win a game so far, but that doesn’t mean the Hawks receive any less respect from the Hornets compared to last year.

When the teams met in Jackson a year ago, South Gibson was undefeated and South Side had just suffered its first loss.

Big region games all around this week

But South Gibson head coach Scott Stidham knows the Hawks aren’t many plays away from having a few wins.

“They nearly beat Obion County, who we had trouble with,” Stidham said. “They played well against Dyersburg last week and were down five points at halftime.

“They probably should’ve beaten Bolivar if they’d finished that game better. South Side isn’t a bad team. We definitely don’t need to overlook them.”

South Side interim head coach Tyler Reeder said the coaches and players know what’s separating them from a few victories as well.

“We didn’t turn the ball over against Bolivar, and we nearly won,” Reeder said. “We turned the ball over three times against Dyersburg last week, and the game went from us being down 7-2 to losing 28-2.

“Taking care of the ball is a big thing for us.”

Defense will be big as well. The Hornets have a run-heavy approach to moving the ball, but that’s not the only concentration for Reeder, who’s also the Hawks’ defensive coordinator.

“We take everything into account and try to be ready for anything they might do,” Reeder said. “Because the first time we show we don’t respect their pass is when they’ll go to it.

“Their quarterback and receivers are good enough they can hurt you in the air. But they do a good job confusing defenses with their ground game. We need to be disciplined to get this win.”

Brandon Shields, 425-9751