(This interview was recorded Wednesday, Nov. 8, by phone with Coach Jamie Driskell.)
By Michael V. Hannigan
The Malakoff Tigers (10-0) rolled through the regular season, winning their district and earning a spot in the playoffs. But now it starts all over again.
"It's been fun, and it is always good to go undefeated, but anything can happen on any given night, and we've got to be ready to play," said Malakoff Coach Jamie Driskell. "Everybody is 0-0 at this point if you're still playing. It is win or go home."
First up for the Tigers are the Maypearl Panthers (7-3). Malakoff faced Maypearl in the playoffs in 2020 and 2021.
"They have a new staff now and look different," said Coach Driskell. "I think they're a little better than they were back then."
Coach Driskell said the Panthers do many different things offensively and have a good running back.
Defensively, Maypearl plays games in the secondary, trying to confuse the opposing offense.
"Their secondary tries to confuse your offense," he said. "They'll run a bunch of different coverages, and they'll bring heat at certain times. We have to have stuff for that, and the kids have to execute it."
"We've got to be ready for that and try not to make mistakes or get behind the chains," he said.
Both teams will also have to be prepared for the weather. There is currently a 90 percent chance of rain for Thursday night in Corsicana.
"Ball security is huge, obviously," said Coach Driskell when asked about the weather. "It's always a concern, and I'm sure it's a concern for them as well."
Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Tiger Stadium in Corsicana.
Post sponsored by Tinsley Law & Title, Holt Wrecker, R&R lawn specialists, GILBERT ELECTRIC
