By The People’s Paper MS Sports Staff
MENDENHALL — The Mendenhall Tigers accomplished their first goal of the season by reaching 5-0 before district play.
Now, Coach Chuckie Allen said, the Tigers are ready to work toward their next goal.
Mendenhall hosts the Forest Bearcats at 7 p.m. Friday at Tiger Stadium in Mendenhall. Forest enters the district matchup at 4-1, while Mendenhall brings an undefeated 5-0 record into its district opener.
“We will be ready come Friday night,” Allen said. “Make sure y’all come out and support us and cheer us on as we start working on our second goal of finishing the regular season at 10-0.”
Fast start, valuable lesson
Mendenhall enters the Forest game following last week’s 32-24 win over Callaway. Allen said he liked how quickly the Tigers found their rhythm in the game.
“I love the way we came out executing out of the gate,” Allen said. “We scored on four out of five possessions in the first half.”
He said the strong start came from the team’s focus and ability to execute at a high level.
The Tigers did not finish as sharply in the second half, however, and Allen said that remains an area of emphasis as the schedule moves into district competition.
“We have to clean that up,” he said.
Mendenhall’s win against Callaway helped the Tigers reach their first goal of the season. Allen said the team has also seen moments that show what it can become with continued improvement.
“Our first goal of the season was to be 5-0 after the Callaway game, and we achieved that,” Allen said. “We’ve shown flashes of greatness from time to time, which shows us how great we can be.”
Stepping up together
Injuries have tested the Tigers during the opening stretch of the season, Allen said. But he believes the team has gained valuable experience from having different players asked to take on larger roles.
“We have had some injuries we have been playing through, and it’s helped us see who can contribute down the road,” he said.
Allen said the players have learned to challenge and encourage one another as the team works to build depth.
“The players have learned to push each other to help them contribute to this program,” he said.
The coach praised Mendenhall’s running backs for providing a steady foundation. He said the position group has consistently stepped up and performed at a high level, helping put the Tigers in position to win each week.
Allen also pointed to the linebackers as a dependable group. He mentioned junior C.J. Brown for his consistent work and leadership.
“C.J. Brown plays defense only and has been solid the entire year,” Allen said. “He has stepped up to be a leader on the field as well.”
Forest brings a challenge
Allen expects a physical and energetic challenge from Forest, which comes to Mendenhall with a 4-1 record and a strong following.
“Forest comes in 4-1 and has a great team,” Allen said. “They are physical and well coached, which carries over to the field. They will bring lots of energy with a great fan base.”
The coach said the Tigers will need to perform well in every phase to earn the win.
“We will have to be clicking on all cylinders in order to come out victorious,” he said.
Coach’s Corner
District games carry a different kind of weight, and Allen said his players understand what is at stake Friday night.
“Our guys really understand the importance of this matchup and what it means to win the first district game,” he said.
Game details: Forest Bearcats at Mendenhall Tigers, 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, at Tiger Stadium in Mendenhall.
