After last weeks defeat dropped Ripley to 1-2, Coach Sam Hathorn knew the goal was the same: get better. That is why he scheduled a Monday practice to work some of the kinks out before Ripley gets to district play.
His Tigers will have another chance to work out some of those issues in a non-district game against Louisville who enters the game 2-1 and ranked as a top 25 football team in the state of Mississippi by socialsportsms.com.
Defense needs to avoid big plays
A key for a Ripley victory tonight will be stopping the big play potential of Louisville and their running attack. In both of Ripley’s losses this year they have done a great job of playing in the trenches. It has been once opposing players have gotten in to space that they have had trouble. That will need to stop to emerge victorious. Defensive back Antwon Knox will play a big part in helping limit the Louisville offensive attack.
Offense keeps improving
The Ripley offense, led by quarterback Trey Blanchard, has improved every week since the first. Blanchard is averaging 230 yards of total offense per game and is a threat to go over 100 yards passing and rushing. His dual threat capabilities coupled with running back Mikichio Adams power running ability will be the keys for Ripley.
Predictions
Ripley is a young team led by a first year head coach and some of those growing pains have shown early in the season. Louisville will provide a good challenge for the Tigers to get better and work on some things, but the Tigers are also capable of scoring points against the Cardinals. In the end, home field advantage will play a part in this game.
