TYNER RAMS (11-2) ROCKWOOD TIGERS (10-3) AT
Storyline: Since the third week of the season the Ram Train has been gathering steam, winning 11 straight, all by double figures. Tyner gained a ton of confidence with its regular-season win over Marion County and has won the eight games that followed by an average of 40-9, including last week’s mercy-rule decision over Marion in a rematch. Senior QB Jaylen Bowens has thrown for more than 1,000 yards and rushed for nearly 500 and has 20 total TDs, as well as six interceptions on defense. He’s surrounded by speed, beginning with RB Jeremy Elston, who had more than 1,200 rushing yards, and sophomore WR Jeremiah Batiste, who has 800-plus receiving yards. FB Tyon Young is a load to bring down and gives the Rams a solid short-yardage option. As impressive as Tyner has been on offense, the defense has been equally dominant, led by DL Tracey Justice and Tyrique Henry. Justice leads the area with 19 sacks and has 29 tackles for loss, while Henry has 15 sacks and 23 tackles for loss. Few opponents have managed to get past the Rams’ defensive front, which will be challenged tonight by Rockwood’s power-running wing-T, led by QB Nate Brackett (6-2, 215), who also has a strong arm. The Tigers’ first option on offense is FB Ryan McCain (6-3, 215), then WBs Joe Ashburn (5-7, 140) and Zander Price (5-9, 170). McCain ran for 153 yards and a TD in last week’s upset win at topranked Meigs County. Rockwood, which has won eight straight going into tonight, outgained Meigs 241-112 on the ground in that game and forced three turnovers. Because of Tyner’s big-play potential and Rockwood’s ability to grind out long drives, the Tigers could try to manage the clock and limit the number of touches the Rams’ offense gets. This is the furthest Tyner has advanced since its 1997 state championship season, while Rockwood is trying to return to the state-title game for the first time since 1976.