With little time to reflect on last week’s 22-6 loss to rival Gentry High School, the Ruleville Central High Tigers have turned their attention to this week’s opposition, the O’Bannon High Green Wave of Greenville.
With kickoff scheduled for 7 p.m. this Friday on their home field, the 1-2 Tigers will be taking on a 2-0-1 O’Bannon High squad which claimed a 32-6 victory last week over Amanda Elzy High of Greenwood.
“O’Bannon has a lot of athletes and team speed on the field,” said Ruleville Central Head Coach Mario Lane. “We will have to contain them without committing any turnovers.”
O’Bannon High has seemingly shored up their defense after opening their 2017 season with a 38-38 tie game with Shelby Broadstreet High. Since then, and in addition to their big win over Amanda Elzy, the Green Wave blanked Ray Brooks High of Benoit by an 18-0 score.
Historically since the 2004 season, O’Bannon owns a 5-1 series edge over Ruleville Central, an advantage increased by last season’s 34-22 victory over the Tigers. The Green Wave would move on to a 5-7 campaign which ended in the first round of the 2A playoffs.
As for last week’s loss to Gentry High School, Coach Lane noted “We had some missed opportunities and Gentry High is very good on defense.”
“While our defense is playing well, our offense is still looking for its identity, especially in our offensive line.”
The Tigers spoiled Gentry’s shutout bid in the second period when junior quarterback Rodrickus Appleberry connected with wide receiver Markevean Graham on a 12-yard touchdown pass.
Although going to the dressing room at halftime only down by an 8-6 margin, this would be as close as the Tigers would get as the visiting Rams scored two unanswered fourth period touchdowns to move the score to its final 16 point margin.
