By Angie Ledbetter

Though the South Panola Tigers started the season with some losses, they did well enough to earn second place in 1-6A and to host third place Murrah tonight in the first round of playoffs.

According to Tiger head coach Lance Pogue the battle for his team started in August due to youth and inexperience.

“But what we did was learn and grow as a unit to get to this point. I think we’re ready now because we’ve got a lot of confidence and have found our strengths. We’ve got a lot better in every phase of the game.”

This is Murrah’s (6-5, 5-2) first time in the playoffs since 1993. Other games on tap tonight include Olive Branch hosting Clinton, NW Rankin hosting Southaven and Tupelo at Madison Central.  

The Mustangs were 2-3 before entering division play. They dropped to Madison Central 27-7 in the first game, edged past Clinton 42-41, beat Warren Central 26-20, downed Vicksburg 35-28, beat Jim Hill 13-7 and fell to Northwest Rankin 28-12 last week.

“Murrah is feeling good about themselves right now. We’ve never played them so it always concerns me when you play someone for the first time. I told the guys our concerns are to continue to do the things that have gotten us to this point over the last six weeks.”

Murrah showcases a team with ability and speed, Pogue said.

“We’re looking forward to tonight but I want us to focus on being the best we can be and if we can do that then I feel good about where we stand.”

Tonight will mark the Tiger’s ninth year in a row to make the playoffs. This season they’ve averaged 72.7 passing yards per game, 231.5 rushing, 36.0 tackles, 1.6 sacks and 26.2 points per game.

Leading the Tigers into post season is Tony Conner with 1,166 yards on 193 carries with 18 touchdowns.

On defense Issac Gross leads the team with 45 tackles, seven sacks and one interception. Temario Strong has 38 tackles with three sacks and two fumble recoveries. Dashawn Lindsay has 35 tackles with three interceptions.

The Mustangs will enter Tiger nation tonight loaded with 31 seniors and 21 juniors. Nineteen sophomores and four freshmen complete the roster. They averaged 153.4 passing yards per game, 213.7 rushing, 51.4 tackles and 25.1 points per game.

Quarterback Chris Webster will be leading the offense. A big key player will be senior running back Fred Franklin who has rushed for 1099 yards hitting the endzone 14 times.

“He’s a good athlete but been hot and cold this year but when he’s on he’s dangerous. We have to do a good job of keeping him from getting in a rhythm.”

Another senior running back for Murrah is Antwan Bulley who has rushed 47 times for 347 yards with four touchdowns.

Murrah is also using freshman wide receiver Malik Dean who has 34 receptions for 762 yards with five touchdowns and has rushed 433 yards and nine touchdowns.

“Dean is an outstanding athlete who’s got a great future at two sports,” added Pogue. “He’s their point guard on the basketball team and obviously they’re a big basketball school. He’s very fast so you have to get your hands on him because if you let him get an open field he can take it the distance.”

Murrah’s Randy Wallace has 589 yards on 36 carries  and four touchdowns.

On Murrah’s defense linebacker Jarrod McEntee has 96 tackles and two sacks. Beside him will be Chad Dunson who has made 71 tackles.

“The defense has been hot and cold also and given up some big plays at times but we know we’re going to get their best shot because they’ll be excited to be in the playoffs,” Pogue said.

Pregame show on FM 100.5 will start at 6 p.m. and kickoff is 7 p.m.

Tickets will be on sale for $7 at the front of the high school during school hours. There are no reserved seats for the playoffs.