After opening their respective seasons with lopsided losses, Parkers Chapel and Lafayette County head into tonight’s non-conference game looking to bounce back and build momentum for the remainder of their non-conference schedules.
Game time is set for 7 p.m. from Lafayette County.
The Trojans (0-1) fell to Smackover 36-0 last week, while the Cougars (0-1) were downed by Gurdon 60-18 in their 7-2A opener
This is the sixth straight year the schools are meeting with the Trojans having won the previous five games, although they have had to overcome first-half deficits to win the meetings in 2016, 2018 and 2020.
In 2016, Dezmon Jackson, now at Oklahoma State, led a rally from a 13-0 deficit by rushing for 306 yards and four touchdowns in a 33-21 win.
Two years later, Caleb Jacobs threw for four scores and ran for another, as the Trojans overcame a 20-14 deficit at halftime to win 35-26.
A year ago, the Trojans trailed 16-0 in the second quarter before scoring 28 unanswered points in a 28-16 win with quarterback Trace Shoup rushing for three scores.
If the Trojans are to extend their winning streak, slowing down Cougars quarterback K.J. Hayes will be crucial.
“They are very athletic, especially at the quarterback position, so everyone will have to play their assignments and not lose contain on him,” said Parkers Chapel coach Elliot Jacobs.
The series between the Trojans and Cougars has had plenty of scoring over the years, but Jacobs is hoping that isn’t the case tonight.
“I hope not,” Jacobs said. “We are not the offense right now that is going to put up a lot of points. We just need to learn how to sustain long drives and be efficient when we reach the red zone.”
A year ago, the Trojans faced the Cougars after Lafayette County didn’t have a scrimmage and their first game was canceled, and while that certainly won’t be the case this year, Jacobs said the Cougars have made good progress under first-year coach Jason Hathcock.
“That coupled with a new coach and you can see a sense of rejuvenation on their sideline and those kids buying into what coach Hathcock is preaching,” Jacobs said.
As far as last week’s loss to the Bucks is concerned, Jacobs said his team must focus on the little things.
“Yeah we can only get better,” Jacobs said. “After watching the film, we were not focused on the small details we say matter for us to be successful. That has to be our focus everyday going forward. Attention to details, making everything muscle memory, not practicing until we get it right, but practicing until we cannot get it wrong.”
Junior Payton Willeford had 70 yards rushing and quarterback Lancer Clark accounted for 120 yards rushing and passing against Smackover.
“Those two played hard, but for us to be successful, they have to be the leaders of the team, and more importantly, lead by example every day on the practice field,” Jacobs said of the duo.
Junior Elijah Brown is expected to be a stalwart on both lines for the Trojans this season.
“We are asking a lot of Bear this season,” Jacobs said. “On offense, he’s the guy we need to run behind on those crucial short yardage plays. We’re asking him on defense to play both A gaps and not allow the opposing team to be able to run up the middle.”
For the Trojans to pick up their first win of the season, Jacobs said the Trojans must do three things.
“Contain their quarterback, create turnovers and sustain drives on offense,” Jacobs said.