By Perry Swack – Sporting Times
The Swamp – October 9, 2020 – 7:00pm
Last Week
Christian County has not played since September 11 when it defeated Madisonville-North Hopkins 28-20
Greenwood knocked off Union County 14-7
Last Five Meetings
2019 – Greenwood 20 @ Christian County 14
2012 – Greenwood 28 @ Christian County 41
2006 – Greenwood 35 @ Christian County 69
2005 – Christian County 34 @ Greenwood 14
2004 – Greenwood 55 @ Christian County 0
Preview
Greenwood eked out a victory last week over Union County to keep its perfect season alive at 4-0. The Gators relied on their stout defense to keep the Braves from spoiling the party. Senior defensive back Parker Scott led the charge with two key interceptions, to go along with seven tackles. Lofton Howard continued to impress with 15 total tackles (11 solo), while Sebastian Conwell finished the game with 11 tackles. The vaunted rushing attack of David Odom and Conwell were held in check most of the night. Odom carried the ball 14 times for only six yards, and Conwell never took a carry in the game. Senior quarterback John Morrison contributed to both of the Gators’ scores – a 1-yard rushing touchdown early in the first quarter, followed up by a 14-yard TD pass to Ira Matheos midway through the final frame. The TD pass to Matheos broke a 7-7 tie that Greenwood held onto for the victory.
Christian County enters Friday having only played one game all season. Multiple games have been canceled thus far due to COVID-19. The Colonels went 0-11 in 2019 but opened 2020 with a big win over Madisonville-North Hopkins. CCHS found themselves down 20-12 before scoring sixteen unanswered points to knock off the Maroons, 28-20. Senior L’Ray Coleman tore off 204 yards and two scores on 23 rushes, while quarterback Donta Abren rushed for 74 yards and a score. Abren completed 6-of-10 passes for 47 yards as well. Sophomore Cyrus Greenwade intercepted the Maroons twice in the win.
Prediction
Greenwood 24, Christian County 20
The Gators began 2019 with four-consecutive victories; however, the program has not started 5-0 since 2012. It will look to achieve this feat on Friday night against the Colonels of Christian County. I predict that the Gators will win a tight one, 24-20. Coach Steve Lovelace’s crew has improved from its winless 2019 campaign and we saw what they’re capable of against Madisonville-North Hopkins. On the other hand, though, Greenwood has also improved since 2019 – finding more consistency on offense and breaking out a stout defense that is giving up only ten points a game.
I predict that both David Odom and L’Ray Coleman will run for at least 70 yards, but I do not expect them both to be over 100 yards as the defenses will keep this score in the twenties. Greenwood should enter its showdown next weekend with South Warren at 5-0.
Next Week
Christian County is scheduled to host Bowling Green on October 16 at 7:00pm
Greenwood will travel to South Warren on October 16 to take on the Spartans at 7:00pm
