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McCracken-Tilghman Tops Weekend Football Openers

McCracken-Tilghman Tops Weekend Football Openers
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By Eric Chumbler
Aug. 20, 2014 | WESTERN KENTUCKY
By Eric Chumbler Aug. 20, 2014 | 09:11 PM | WESTERN KENTUCKY
The opening weekend of the Kentucky high school football season features the hottest new rivalry western Kentucky has to offer, with two schools separated by a mere seven miles - McCracken County and Paducah Tilghman. The two powerhouses will square off Saturday night at 7:30 at Tilghman's McWright Field.

The inaugural contest last season was an instant classic that more than lived up to the hype, as Tilghman squeezed out a 24-23 win over the Mustangs. But both head coaches see this matchup to be a bit different than last year’s game, with a series of changes for both teams since they last played.

Paducah Tilghman changed head coaches during the offseason, adding former Graves County and Warren Central head coach Mike Rogers. Rogers replaces Randy Wyatt, who stepped down in December after six seasons as head coach of the Blue Tornado. Rogers comes to Tilghman from Warren Central in Bowling Green, where he went 46-17 over five seasons. Under Rogers, the Dragons made the 5A playoffs all five seasons, and played in the regional championship game three times. 

Rogers also brings with him an entirely different offense for Paducah Tilghman. The Blue Tornado will primarily operate from the “Wing-T”, which is different from the spread offense they have run in prior seasons.

For McCracken County, the Mustangs have changed up their defensive scheme and are replacing offensive and defensive lines left heavily vacant from graduation. Even though the Mustangs are leaning on more newcomers, McCracken County head coach Jack Haskins loves his team. “They’re really coming along well,” said Haskins of the Mustangs. “The boys are really adapting to the new defense we’re teaching and really moving quick to the ball.”

Both teams bring back a wealth of experience on offense. The Mustangs return dual-threat junior quarterback Zyaire Hughes and highly touted senior playmaker Rasheed Jones. Hughes, a recent University of Kentucky commit, is looking to capitalize on his sophomore season where he compiled over 3,100 yards combined rushing and passing, along with 23 touchdown passes and only 8 interceptions. Jones was McCracken’s top wide receiver in total yards in 2013 with over 900 yards receiving and averaging 15 yards per reception. Jones had 22 touchdowns last season between rushing, receiving, and returning kicks and interceptions.

Tilghman brings back two key pieces to their offense in junior quarterback Jessie Dunigan and senior running back DJ Sherrill. Dunigan led the Tornado last season with well over 2,000 combined passing and rushing yards, 17 touchdowns and only 5 interceptions. Head coach Mike Rogers was more than boastful about Dunigan adapting to the Wing-T style of offense. “Jessie has managed it well from day one, as well as the rest of the team,” Rogers said. “Normally it takes around two years to fully comprehend this offense, but they’ve really done a great job learning it this summer.”  

Both Rogers and Haskins have an appreciation for each other and their teams. “Give Paducah Tilghman credit,” Haskins said. Coach Rogers and his staff are tremendous and the Tilghman program itself has been great for years and years.” “I’ve known Jack for years,” said Rogers. “I coached his offensive coordinator (Allen Harmon) years ago and their entire staff and team are very knowledgeable and very talented. It’ll be fun.”

You can listen to the McCracken County broadcast on 99.5 FM The Fan with Eric Chumbler and Jared Adams, or you can listen to the Paducah Tilghman broadcast on 94.3 FM WKYX with Ed Taylor and Brett Larimer.  

 

Friday Night's Area Football Games

Hopkinsville at Warren Central (Russell Rivals Bowl)

Caldwell County at Christian County

Fulton City at Crittenden County

Fort Campbell at Mayfield

Ballard Memorial at McLean County

Trigg County at Russellville

Hopkins County Central at Webster County

Saturday Night's Area Football Games

McCracken County at Paducah Tilghman

Murray at Madison Central (Roy Kidd Bowl)

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