Some of the Peabody posters are too cocky (or maybe 'self-assertive' is a better adjective), imo. Occasionally, Trentonians need to reel it in slightly.
Peabody has a great squad this year, no doubt about it.... However, the truth of the matter is that Peabody has not played great competition this year. Milan was the best all around team PHS has played. Although it is promising that Peabody came out with a win (barely).
The touted dominate defense has yet to play a great offense. Consecutive shutouts are impressive to a degree, but none of the teams the Tide shutout are offensive juggernauts. The sub 4.4 speed across the defense comment is ludacris. However, 2 kids were laser timed sub 4.6. A very athletic junior class is a strength of this team.
However, the biggest strength of this team is with the coaching staff getting kids prepared and in a position to make plays. Come playoff time the defense will have an entire new look with different personnel groupings.
Lots of football yet to be played.... It is too early to label this team as a shoe in for cookeville based on the level of competition Peabody has faced. Week to week anything can happen (i.e. McKenzie last year).
Hopefully Friday night there will be huge crowd in attendance to support a rivalry that has rarely been close in anything other than geographical distance. It's good for everyone involved that both programs have enjoyed success leading up to this matchup. The physicality the pioneers play with will be a great test for the Tide. Down the road, if Trenton is going to make a run to cookeville they will have to learn how to get hit in the mouth in the trenches and overcome.
Although, I also believe we have yet to see the peak of what this Peabody team could be (scary thought).