The AHS Tiger Football team kicks off the second round of the playoffs tonight against the Collierville Dragons at 7:00pm at their turf. Due to the Shelby County School system not being able to have a season, Arlington, Bartlett, Collierville, and Houston all got a first round bye.
“Our game plan is to beat them through the air as much as possible. They have a very solid run stopping defense but i think we have enough weapons on offense to get in the end zone,” says Senior QB Zach Baker.
Baker also mentions that they are chasing school history. “No team ever from Arlington has made it to round three of the state playoffs. We’re hungry for it. Playing this season, especially with the circumstances thrown at us, has been extremely tough for all athletes and coaches and we want to prove the city of Memphis wrong.
During the 2019 season, Arlington knocked off the dragons in an upset 21-14 and the Dragons are looking for revenge. “Last years game was honestly one of the nastiest conditions I’ve ever played in. It was pouring rain from start to end in 40 degree weather, and they were playing very dirty as well,” says 3 Year starter Jake Golday.
Originally, the Tigers were scheduled to play the Dragons on October 23rd. However, the team was hit with a two week quarantine a few days before the game and have not played a game since October 9th. “Obviously, not having played, us as coaches are expecting some rust from our guys. It’s hard to not play a game for 36 or so days and come out in the second round of the playoffs and expect perfection. Ive talked with our guys, they also know there will be rust, but i had to explain to them that just because it will feel weird at first, we still expect pride, grit, integrity, and effort from them in order to win this football game.
For all teams around the state, its win or go home from here open out. It hasn’t been the season the Tigers have expected, but they know and are well aware they have an amazing community behind them and have their full support tonight.
