Smackover conquered a demon from its past Friday when it topped Charleston 42-14.
With just under five minutes left in the first period, this game was tied at seven and all signs pointed toward another thrilling clash between the two teams. But, that turned out not to be the case.
Unlike a season ago when the Buckaroos met Charleston in the 3A state title game – there was no dramatic finish in favor of the Tigers. This season, there were a litany of developments which led to Smackover earning the victory. The most obvious factors were a discrepancy in talent and the Buckaroos being the host team.
The Tigers – a three seed from the 4-3A – were a good, talented group. They just ran into a Smackover squad which had a higher level of talent. Also, the Buckaroos fed off the support of an excited home crowd. Playing at home in the postseason is a luxury.
It’s hard for a team to lose when its competing at home and has more talent than its opponent, as Smackover proved in round two of the 3A playoffs.
ODD ON-SIDE KICK
On the opening play of the game, the Buckaroos received a spark when Michael Edwards recovered an on-side kick at the Charleston 12.
Smackover kicker Keiandre Purifoy placed the ball toward the sideline. When the ball dropped, the Tigers watched it roll down the field. Suddenly, Edwards garnered possession for an unconventional, unintentional, on-side kick. Three plays later, Smackover scored a touchdown.
“That was a big play. That was very unexpected,” Buckaroo coach Brian Strickland said. “What it led to was us receiving the ball in the first series of the first half and the first series of the second half. It worked out great for us.”
FIELD POSITION
Field position is a critical aspect of football.
Of Smackover’s six touchdowns, three of the scores occurred with the Bucks beginning a series in Charelston territory.
A fusion of sound special teams play, and outstanding defense aided Smackover (10-2). One situation in particular embodied how Smackover edged Charleston in the field position duel.
“Charleston began a drive on its own one. Willie Davis made an outstanding tackle on which I believe could’ve been a safety. When they have to drive from there, they can’t do what they want to do,” Strickland said. “So it was big for our special teams. It was big for the defense to pin them back there where they had to get it back to us (in good field position).”
DEFENSE PERFORMS WELL
Charleston employs an offense which uses deceptive routes and alignments that are intended to confuse its opponent.
Nevertheless, Smackover’s starting defense surrendered only one touchdown to the Tigers. Strickland referenced the Buckaroos’ tenacity, and defensive coordinator Dennis Steele, as the main reasons for Charleston’s struggles offensively.
“Coach Steele designed a great game plan. I give him credit, he created a great plan. The players executed it and got physical with Charleston,” the coach said. “They made Charleston earn everything they got. Charleston was hit repeatedly.
“We also had to get pressure on their quarterback. We kept bringing pressure from all sides. The guys were ready to play. They created havoc for the Charleston offense.”
GAME-CHANGING THIRD
Smackover, champion of the 6-3A, led Charleston 21-7 at the half. The Buckaroos took control of the game in the third period by scoring 14-unanswered points.
“We came out and scored, got a defensive stop and wanted to put the nail in the coffin early in the third. We brought up the Fordyce game, which we gave up a big halftime lead. We know we have to play 48 minutes, and we stressed that to them,” Strickland said. “Coach (David) Osborn designed a good plan and the players executed it. As the game went along we wore Charleston down. That’s when the speed of our backs took over in the second half.”
STATS
Smackover finished with 238 yards rushing. Edwards had nine carries for 141 yards and two touchdowns. Purifoy had 10 rushes for 33 yards and four TDs. Buckaroo quarterback Beau Burson completed 11-of-16 passes for 132 yards. Purifoy had four receptions for 33 yards. Jones caught two passes for 27 yards.
Willie Davis intercepted a pass.
(Kev Moyé is a sports writer for the News-Times. Follow him on Twitter @Moye06. He can be contacted via e-mail at [email protected])