LITTLE ROCK — When the Atkins Red Devils (8-0, 5-0) travel to Alumni Field to face the fourth-ranked Charleston Tigers (8-0, 5-0) the 4-3A Conference title will be on the line.
Atkins has struggled at times this season and have survived each near upset they have faced, while Charleston has mowed through each opponent by an average of 33.2 points per game.
The game will likely stay on the ground for Atkins with all-world running back Terence Bobo gaining large chunks of yards on each run. Charleston will likely run a mix of run and pass with their crafty senior quarterback Jonathan Tedford, who is able to do both.
QUARTERBACK
The Tigers will rely on their senior leader, Jonathan Tedford, who has given opposing defenses fits all season with his ability to run as well as pass. In a recent game against Paris, Tedford rushed for 108 yards and three touchdowns while completing all four of his passes for 104 yards and a touchdown.
Atkins will use the run extensively, but that does not mean that the Red Devils cannot pass the ball. Senior quarterback Russell Gibson has punished teams for trying to stack the line of scrimmage all season, including a three touchdown per formance against Paris.
ADVANTAGE: Charleston RUNNING BACK
Charleston will look to senior Andy McDonald when it needs to keep the ball on the ground. In addition to Tedford, McDonald gives the Tigers a tough one-two punch on offense. McDonald has had several games with more than 100 yards this season.
When it comes to the ground game, few do it better than the Red Devils' Terence Bobo. Bobo blistered Dover for 210 yards in the first game of the season and has not slowed down since, rushing for 143 yards and four touchdowns last week against Paris.
ADVANTAGE: AtkinsWIDE RECEIVER
Tedford has several options when he decides to throw the ball instead of running. He can look for McDonald coming out of the backfield or he can hit a streaking Jordan Shelby, like he did on a 68-yard touchdown pass against Paris.
The Red Devils also has a few more tricks up their sleeves other than the running attack of Bobo. Along with passing to the running backs, Gibson also has a good receiver in senior C.D. Casto.
ADVANTAGE: Charleston OFFENSIVE LINE
The Tigers do not have a lot of experience on the front line, but there is a lot of talent. Anchored by senior Brent Sargent, the Charleston offensive line has been decimating opposing defenses all season.
The Atkins offensive line is a bit more experienced and has faced some tough defenses this season, but Friday's game will be their biggest test this year. If they stick to their game plan and follow through on their blocks, the Red Devils could have a big day.
ADVANTAGE: AtkinsDEFENSIVE LINE
There is a word to describe the Charleston defensive line, and that word is incredible. Another word would be dominating. The Tigers have allowed a total of 43 points this season, but struggled early in the season at stopping the run.
The Red Devils' defensive line has been burned a few times this season, and has relied on its offense to outscore their opponents. Against Charleston, the defensive line will have to step up and make some key stops.
ADVANTAGE: Charleston SECONDARY
The Tigers' secondary has been as effective as the defensive line this year. With the exception of one or two big pass plays, the Charleston secondary has played nearly perfect all season.
Atkins' secondary has found itself with its back to the wall a few times this season, but have come up with big plays at key times, like Bobo's interception in the waning minutes of a seven-point game at home against Paris last week.
ADVANTAGE: CharlestonWHEN: 7 p.m. Friday WHERE: Alumni Field in Charleston COACHES:◊Atkins - Charlie Sorrels
166-70-1 in 30th year at Atkins◊Charleston - Doug
Loughridge 8-0 in first year at
Charleston PLAYERS TO WATCH:◊Atkins - Senior running
back Terence Bobo has yet to find
a defense that can stop him, putting
up big numbers in each game he
plays. He is also an effective defen
sive back, evident by his interception
against Paris.
◊Charleston - Senior quar
terback Jonathan Tedford has been
attacking defenses all season with
his arm and legs. On multiple oc
casions this season, Tedford has
passed and rushed for a touchdown
in the same game.
LAST GAME:◊Atkins defeated Paris 33-26
at home.
◊Charleston won 55-0 at
Hector.
LAST MEETING: Charleston defeated Atkins 35-8
at Lemley Field in Atkins.
KEY STATS: Atkins may not be winning all of
its games in a convincing fashion
(average of 33.3-16.6 per game),
but they are winning, and if they
can keep the game close, could give
Charleston something they are not
used to. Charleston enters the game
winning each game in convincing
fashion, by a score of 38.6-5.4.
River Valley Ozark, Pages 80 on 10/25/2007