By Malcolm Butler
Cedar Creek opens up the Select Division IV playoffs tonight when the 16th seeded Cougars (6-4) host the 17th seeded Slaughter Community Charter (7-3) at Cougar Stadium at 7 p.m.
Tickets are $12 and can be purchased at the school office (8 a.m. to 2 p.m.) or at the gates to Cougar Stadium.
Head coach Matt Middleton has watched plenty of film on tonight’s opponent and says the Cougars are in for a challenge, but one he thinks they are looking forward to.
“They run really well,” said Middleton. “They have two defensive lineman who are really physical. One of them is probably the best we’ve seen all year. They have guys who can run everywhere offensively. They want to ground and pound you but the want to throw over the top too They are an extremely athletic team who has only lost three games to three really good teams.”
Slaughter Community Charter has lost games against three other playoff teams in Kentwood, Southern Lab and Jewel Sumner this year. They hail from District 9-1A where they finished third behind Kentwood and Soouthern Lab.
Middleton says he hopes for good weather tonight.
“It’s a big road trip for them,” said Middleton. “For us, I am a little worried about the weather. There is a chance of rain and it could have an affect on what we do offensively.We’ve had some good days of preparation and I feel good about our plan. Let’s hope that rain stays away.
“It would be great if we could get on a dry surface and try to execute what we have put in. We will wait on Mother Nature and hopefully the good Lord will keep the rain away.”
The Cougars are led by all-everything running back Lane Thomas, who has eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark on the season while ranking among the top three on the team in tackles. Quarterback Caden Middleton — the programs career TD pass leader — has shown the ability to spread the ball around to a number of playmakers like Connor Norris, Ladd Thompson, Brian Osborne, Lawson Lillo, Austin Webb and Thomas.
The game has all the makings of a close first round match-up. Middleton said he feels his team is prepared.
“I thought we’ve had two really, really good practices,” said Middleton. “I thought our Monday practice was the best Monday practice we have had all season. I was a little concerned about a mental letdown or what could be after St. Frederick, but they have come out and practiced really, really well. I feel good about our preparation and where we are at.”
Quincy Lewis anchors a Creek defense that will be tested by a versatile SCC rushing attack.
“I think injury they have been beat up at quarterback a little bit,” said Middleton. “He is a dual threat guy. We have seen this kid run on film. We are looking forward to the challenge. They have had to use multiple guys there. I talked to their coach who said they are bruised up, beat up. But they are healthy for the most part. It’s all hands on deck. We will have our hands full.”
