The Parklane Pioneers (5-1) host the Madison-Ridgeland Academy Patriots (4-2) in what will likely be the most meaningful game of Pioneer head coach Bo Milton’s young tenure.
This matchup has decided a playoff spot every year over the past few years, and Friday night looks to be no different.
“The weather is finally cooling down, our kids are excited and this week truly has the feel of a playoff atmosphere,” Milton said. “This game is always tough, physical — and both teams play their hearts out.”
Last year’s classic in Madison could be tough to beat, but Milton and his staff have prepared the Pioneers for another good Mack Norwood-coached team, and they expect another battle.
“MRA is just a really solid program and have been impressive thus far,” Milton said. “They do a lot of the same things we do on offense in the spread and have a very good running back. You cannot fall asleep, though, because they have some very good receivers and they can go get it.”
Containing another high-powered offense will be key for Parklane as the Pioneers have improved each week on defense. This week they need to step it up.
“We have to tackle well and play to our assignments,” Milton said. “We have to play with intensity. but yet remember the little things and just play good defense.”
Offensively, Milton’s group has put up points-a-plenty this season, and to win on Friday night, Milton knows his offense has to perform as good as it has all year.
“MRA plays physical defense, and they primarily run a 4-3 but will change their scheme throughout a game to accommodate what they want to do,” Milton said. “I coached at MRA with some of those guys, and they will probably show us something we haven’t seen of them on film, so we have tried to prepare well all week.
“We have to again recognize what they are doing and be patient. We feel we can move the ball but we cannot rush things and have mental breakdowns. We have to take care of the football.”
With four games left on the schedule Milton knows it is do-or-die time once again for the Pioneers and hopes this time Parklane will have reason to celebrate.
“This game has been a big, big game dating back to when I played here,” Milton said. “The stakes always seem to be high, the emotions are high and I told our kids to go have fun. This is what it’s all about.”
