HAMBURG Lions in action

Hamburg has been on the other side of the covid-19 cancellation ladder this season.

The Lions had a third game this season canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic, with their previously-scheduled 4A-8 Conference game for Friday at Star City called off because of the Bulldogs’ covid-19 situation. Hamburg also had games against Forrest City and DeWitt, the latter its 4A-8 opener, canceled thanks to covid-19.

However, Lions Coach Cecil Ray Cossey was able to find an opponent and his team will host Class 5A Jacksonville, led by Coach Maurice Moody, at 7 tonight.

Cossey said he reached out to several teams across the state before having Hamburg (2-2, 1-0 4A-8 Conference) agree to play Jacksonville (1-4, 0-2 5A-Central Conference).

Moody told Cossey that he preferred to play today rather than Friday for undisclosed reasons.

Jacksonville is coming off a 42-28 loss to Watson Chapel on Friday at Titan Stadium. The Titans have lost four consecutive games, but Cossey said playing them will help the Lions.

“They’re a much improved team this season,” Cossey said. “They’re better than their record. It’s a big challenge for us. They’re big and fast.”

This will be the second time this season Hamburg is facing a Class 5A opponent. The Lions lost 42-6 to Camden Fairview on Sept. 11, but only trailed 7-6 at halftime. Cossey hopes for a better showing tonight against the Titans.

“I want us to play our best for four quarters,” Cossey said. “Their defensive line will outweigh our offensive line. They’ll play a lot of man coverage with a lot of blitzing. But I want our offense to meet the challenge against a fast team.”