Even though Graves County (Ky.) is 1-3, Jackson coach Carl Gross says the Eagles will be the most physical team the Indians have faced so far.
And that's a good thing.
After outscoring their opponents 118-7 so far this season, the Indians are wanting a little competition.
That could come tonight when the Indians travel to Mayfield, Ky., for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff.
"They're a good football team," Gross said. "They're not huge, but they're strong. You can tell they've been in the weight room. I'd be surprised if it was one of those weeks where we held our opponent to under 100 yards of offense."
Graves County has lost three straight games, including a 51-13 loss to a powerful Hopkinsville, Ky., squad last week. But the Eagles lost two games in the fourth quarter by a combined total of 10 points.
The Eagles have good size and strength, but not a lot of speed.
Running back Jake Carder is a north-and-south back who tries to move the pile and fall forward.
"To be real honest, we were hoping they would have a couple Corvettes to go with that big line," Gross said. "If they did, they'd be a heck of a team."
Gross said Graves County tries to chip away and assemble long drives.
The Eagles do throw on occasion, perhaps as much as 40 percent of the time, using play-action. Graves County passed more last year when quarterback Stephen Hatchell -- the coach's son -- was under center. Hatchell is Murray State University's second-team quarterback.
Though Graves County is not as talented as a year ago, Gross has been impressed with the Eagles' fundamentals.
"They're very well-coached," Gross said. "We'll have to read our keys. If you're gonna beat Graves County, you're going to have to beat them. They won't beat themselves."
Randolph out
Jackson's starting defensive back and wide receiver Brian Randolph -- who also plays quite a bit on offense and special teams -- will be out for a few weeks due to mononucleosis. Randolph will be replaced on defense with Josh Parham, who jammed his thumb in a physical education class this week. Tyler Boyd will fill in for Randolph on offense.
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