When: Friday September 4th 2020, kickoff set for 7 pm
Where: Booneville, MS
Who: Booneville Blue Devils
The Tigers look to tangle with one of their oldest rivals when they travel to Booneville on Friday. The two played an instant classic last year, with the Blue Devils pulling out a come from behind victory.
Offense
The Tigers are putting in a new scheme and will look towards one of their best athletes to implement it. Senior Sentavius Hunt took the majority of the snaps at quarterback for Ripley against East Union and he will be counted upon to provide big plays in the veer option for the Tigers. Immanuel Griffin and Shaundell Carter both looked good in their opportuniteis running the ball last Friday. Senior Linemen John Graves and Lynden Drewery both will be counted upon to get push to make new head coach Perry Liles offense work.
Defense
The Tigers have put a standout defensive unit on the field the last several years and that will need to continue if they are to have success stopping the Blue Devils. Booneville returns a tealented third year signal caller in John Daniel Deaton and several weapons from a season ago. Ripley has several players playing both ways, including Carter who will be looked upon to make plays from his linebacker position. Hunt will also take a lot of snaps on the defensive side of the ball, where he is a ball hawking defensive back. Look for him to try and put the brakes on the Booneville aerial attack.
Keys to victory
Last week, the Tiger defense did a great job against a potent East Union offense save for two big plays, both of which went for scores for the Urchins. Ripley will be facing a team which thrived on big plays a season ago in week one, so limiting those opportunities will be paramount for a Tiger win. If Hunt and the offense can work a few kinks out in the offense, they have the ability to move the ball. Couple that with lots of potential on the defensive side, and Ripley has a good shot of coming away with a week one victory. Either way, look for a good game between the two teams on Friday night.
