Last week’s results: Southside 21, Etowah 17; Boaz 29, Arab 22
2012 result: Etowah 28, Boaz 15
Series record: Etowah leads 14-6
By Gene Stanley/Sports Correspondent
Etowah High has clinched a playoff berth, but the postseason seedings are yet to be determined. A win this week is imperative if the Blue Devils wish to play the first game in Attalla.
“In this region, it always comes down to the last week,” Etowah coach Drew Noles said. “It makes things a lot more fun and a lot more interesting.”
The Devils took a tough loss last week, leading until the final minutes.
“No doubt it was a tough loss,” Noles said. “It was tough to get over but hopefully the kids are over it and ready to play Boaz, because if not they could easily beat us.”
Noles said that for Etowah to win, they have to concentrate and take control instead of “scoreboard watching” about the other teams involved in the playoff race. He added that the Devils have been playing more physical the past couple of weeks – a good sign for the playoffs.
Boaz changed offenses last week – from the spread to the Notre Dame Box – and that worries Noles because his defense has to prepare for two offenses instead of one.
“Boaz always plays hard,” he said. “And with them going to the Box, we have to split our defensive practices in half and prepare for both. They may not have many wins but they’re dangerous.”
Last week against Southside, Lamar Thomas had six receptions for 182 yards and two touchdowns.
Andy Noles completed 12-of-17 passes for 157 yards and a touchdown, while Kordell Rudolph completed 8-of-10 passes for 98 yards and a score.
Paul Ruiz had 12 carries for 72 yards and five receptions for 39 yards.