Friday Night Writes: Tupelo @ Madison Central- 1st Round Playoffs

MSHAA's 6A playoffs begin tonight. Two of the biggest schools in the state will face off this friday night. The Tupelo Golden Wave (6-5) will take on the Madison Central Jaguars (9-2).

Madison Central is led by M-W-R. (Brandon) Moore, (Hugh) Warren, and (Drew) Rowell, that is. They have rushed for a combined 2749 yards this season. However, the Jags have completed a measly 32 passes.

Tupelo is led Junior Running Back Ashton Shumpert. One thing to watch is that Tupelo will use Shumpert out of the Wild Cat tonight. Shumpert is averaging nearly 81 yards a game on the ground. The Golden Wave are using a two-quarterback system. QB Luke Hobson is averaging 115 yards a game through the air, while his counter-part, Thomas Harris, is averaging 80 yards passing per game.

Keys to the Game

• Jags will have to control the line of scrimmage on defense. And IF a Tupelo player gets past it, the linebackers and secondary must make tackles.
• The Golden Wave aren't just spectacular on offense. However, to make the playoffs, you have to be pretty good at either offense or defense. So, it must be the Jags key to keep the Golden Wave defense by either guessing or pounding the line of scrimmage. I think the will do the latter.
• The Jags offense will have to limit their turnovers. Especially on their own side of the field.

I honestly don't see this being much of a game. The only way Tupelo has a chance is if the Jags come out flat. So, in conclusion, (in my opinion) only the Jags can beat the Jags. Limit turnovers and they will win.

Prediction: Madison Central-45, Tupelo-28. Plus, the Jags will rush for 350+ yards.