Friday Night Writes: Thursday Edition- MCHS @ Northwest Rankin HS

What you are about to read is the preview to arguably the most anticipated regular season game of this year in the state of Mississippi.

Madison Central High School VS. Northwest Rankin High School

The Jaguars will walk into Cougar Stadium this Thursday night a very hot team. The Jaguars, ranked #5 by clarionledger.com's Super 10 rankings, average nearly 33 points a game and nearly 330 rushing yards a game. As hot as the Jaguars are, the #4 NWR cougars are even hotter. The winners of 9 straight games are averaging nearly 30 points a game. Plus, they're playing pretty good defense, especially on the D-line. NWR's defense is averaging 2.5 sacks a game ( but we'll talk about that later).

This is a heated rivalry game and I've talked to several fans on both sides. So I'll tell you what the average arguement is on both sides:

• NWR: "We're undefeated. 9-0. What's y'all's record? That's right. 7-2."
• MCHS: "We've played better teams! We have a harder schedule! Y'all can barely beat a 4A team ( NWR beat Mendenhall 47-44 in a very close game)!"

This discussion might be ended with several harsh words form both sides.

NWR is led by RB Ramone Nash.  This man, or beast, is AVERAGING 163 yards a game. AVERAGING!   He also accounts for nearly 2 touchdowns a game for the Cougars. QB Reid Humphreys isn't too shabby throwing the ball either( 105 yds/gm passing).NWR can play some defense, too. Their D is led by LB Daniel Myrick and DL Will Freeman, both of whom are tackling machines. However, the Cougars have struggled against the run at time this season, giving up 305 yards against Mendenhall.

Madison Central's rushing attack is one of the most potent in the state. Led by Senior QB Drew Rowell, who is good with his feet, averaging nearly 7 yards/ carry. The Jags main problem is that their offense is one dimensional, averaging about 40 yards a game through the air. However, unlike the Cougars, the Jags have a unpredictable defense. The secondary is the main question in my opinion.

Keys to the Game

• The Cougars, as mentioned before, have an excellent defensive line. During the game, they will begin to key in on the Jags rushing plays. The Jags must keep the Cougars on their heels by choosing different plays in different formations, or by utilizing the play-action passing game.
• The Jags have a fairly good defensive line led by DE Martez Simpson. The key for the Jags defense is to not let Ramone Nash into the secondary. Once in the secondary, Nash will likely torch the shaky unit. About 75% of the TD's that the Jags D has allowed have been long plays of 40+ yards. Easy TD's will translate into a easy win fore the Cougars.
• The right Cougars defense has to show up. Not the same defense that gave up 305 yards to Mendenhall.
• This is the key that I think will determine this game. As when any 2 closely matched teams play, special teams is important. Win special teams and the game will probably be easier to win.

Prediction- I'm not sure who will win but I have a feeling that team will win...
42-39 in OT.