Independence aims to capture its 25th straight victory Friday, while Franklin looks to bounce back from last week’s overtime loss.
Independence (9-0, 6-0) vs. LaVergne (3-6, 3-3), 7 p.m. Friday*
One game stands in the Independence Eagles’ way of capturing their second straight undefeated regular season.
The Eagles welcome Region 5-5A foe LaVergne to Independence on senior night Friday. The Wolverines, though eliminated from postseason play, have won two games in a row after a 1-6 start to the season.
While LaVergne may be riding a hot streak going into Friday, it may not last very long against Indy. The Eagles are coming off two straight blowouts in which they scored 53 and 62 points against Columbia then Franklin County.
Independence’s offense is led by senior quarterback Brandon Hines. He’s thrown for 1,948 yards, 21 touchdowns and eight interceptions.
To go along with Hines’ production, fellow senior Landon Guidry and junior Troy Henderson are both averaging over 100 all-purpose yards per game. Henderson has also gotten into the end zone 18 times this season.
The Eagles also have the advantage defensively against the LaVergne offense.
Led by senior David Demke (86 tackles, 11 sacks), Indy is giving up just 14 points per game. It could be very difficult for the Wolverines, who average 29 points per contest, to find room to create sustaining drives down the field.
A victory will extend the Eagles’ win streak to 25 games.
Lebanon (1-8, 0-6) at Franklin (7-2, 5-1), 7 p.m. Friday*
Franklin’s fate in the Region 3-6A race could have been decided last week, but as a consolation prize the Rebels could be in store for a big win on senior night Friday.
With a crushing 42-35 overtime loss to Mt. Juliet (7-2, 5-1) last week, the Rebels can win Friday and finish second in the region if Mt. Juliet can beat McGavock (1-8, 1-5).
However, a win and a Mt. Juliet loss will give the Rebels the region title.
The good news for Franklin is Lebanon travels to FHS Friday without a region win and with just one victory this season.
The Blue Devils may find it next to impossible to score. They average just 13 points per game and last week were shut out by Overton 38-0. They’re going against a Rebel defense that gives up just 20 points per game.
Franklin’s offense, led by senior running back Mitch Rossi (1,002 rushing yards, 13 total TDs), shouldn’t struggle move the football. Lebanon gives up an average of 38 points per game.
The Rebels may not have to struggle for a win Friday to close out the regular season, but it may not be enough to capture the region title. A home game in the first round of the playoffs is already in the cards, though.
