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Published: Dec 03, 2008 - 03:28:33 pm CST
Professor Pigskin predicts We have reached the pinnacle of the season. Only the state championship remains before us. What awaits in Jackson? n n n CALHOUN CITY VS. PUCKETT One could almost think this week's game is a replay. The Wildcats will play a team that comes in 12-0 and that went to the state championship game last year. Then again, the differences are obvious. After all, this game will be played in Jackson. It is the state championship. And it won't be easy. It's not supposed to be. Puckett comes in as last year's championship runner-up and the state champion of two years ago. The Wolves steamrollered every team they encountered. Their closest outings were against Mt. Olive. In both meetings, Puckett won by 16 points - 43-27 and 28-12. The next closest game was a 20-point defeat of Stringer. The Wolves, it appears, were barely challenged in their march on the capital. Calhoun City, on the other hand, has had some close tussles this year. Vardaman came from behind to give the 'Cats the early 21-12 loss; East Webster slipped past the 'Cats in Cumberland, 22-21, then fought hard before falling 14-7 at Harrison Field in the playoffs. Ray Brooks, of course, kept throwing punches via their scoring and running game in last week's North State final. Even West Lowndes kept pushing the 'Cats, even though the final spread was 15 points. That the Wildcats have faced a little adversity this season could be in their favor. If they can get ahead of the Wolves and stay there a while, Puckett's players may not know how to react. If, on the other hand, Puckett can score early and often enough, the Wolves' confidence will be justified, and Calhoun City may have a hard time playing catch-up in that situation. If anybody can get his team ready to play, and to play above themselves on the biggest stage state high school football can offer, it's Mike Ray. Puckett has to have the edge on paper, and the Wolves definitely have experience on their side. With a game that could go either way ... CALHOUN CITY 23, Puckett 21
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