Hokes Bluff (1-1, 1-0) at Crossville (0-2, 0-1)
Last week: Hokes Bluff 35, White Plains 7;
Jacksonville 49, Crossville 12
Last meeting: Glencoe 48, Crossville 0 (2007)
Series record: Hokes Bluff leads 5-3-1
By Gene Stanley//Sports Correspondent
Mike Robertson always dreads trips to Sand Mountain. And that’s where his Hokes Bluff High team is headed this week.
“Anytime you have to make a trip up the mountain, it’s tough,” the coach said. “There’s no such thing as an easy win up there – and if you fool around too much, you’ll go home with a loss.”
The Eagles are coming off a big win in which sophomore Cam Dowdy made a statement, rushing for 135 yards and two touchdowns on 23 carries.
“He’s a tough kid,” Robertson said. “He’s got quick feet and that’s an advantage in our offense. His breakaway speed is good, not great – yet. Hopefully as he gets bigger and stronger, that’ll improve, too. His field vision has already improved from last year.”
Phillip Ward had a big game, too. He ran two punts back for touchdowns and intercepted a pass, which he ran back 52 yards.
Hokes Bluff got through that game with no injuries – another plus.
However, Robertson said that Crossville is better than the record indicates – and that the Lions should’ve posted a closer score against Jacksonville.
“We’ve got to take care of ourselves first,” Robertson said. “Coming off a win will maybe make things a bit be-tter.”
Also against White Plains, Noah Click had 10 tackles, followed by Ward with seven. Adam Patterson and Nick Underwood each had five tackles and a sack.
