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By Fred Guarino

The Lowndes Signal

The Calhoun Tigers and the Central Lions will both be looking for their first win of 2018 when the two cross county arch rivals collide on Friday, Oct. 26 at Central.

In Friday, Oct. 19 action, Calhoun fell to regional opponent Luverne 58-0 on the road, and Central fell to regional opponent Goshen 41-0 on the road.

Both Calhoun and Central are 0-8 overall and 0-6in Class 2A Region 3 play. But one will get at least one win this season when the two play each other this Friday, Oct. 26 at Central.

Against the Luverne Tigers, the Calhoun Tigers were riddled with injuries, including the loss of starting quarterback Travon Brown, who was out for the game. However, Johnny Allen stepped in and ran the ball well for Calhoun. And Calhoun Tiger D’Andre McCovery looked good at tight end.

But Calhoun head football coach Ervin Starr said his team just “did not capitalize” on its opportunities during their game with Luverne. And he said his Tigers had many opportunities to get turnovers. Now, he said, his team must look to defeat arch rival Central High on the road to end its losing streak.

The Alabama Football Historical site has the losing streak listed as 39 games, counting a pre-season week zero loss to Pike Road.

Against the Goshen Eagles, Central High head football coach Michael Perry Jr. said, “We had four turnovers, which cost us in the game. Goshen was able to block a punt for a touchdown, forced two fumbles and caught an interception.”

But Perry said Central was able to force one turnover, a 10-yard interception return by Reshard Moore.

“Defensively we are still not playing sound football up front,” Perry said.  “Defensive ends are both young ninth graders who still haven’t grasped the concept. Offensive was another up and down experience with the offensive line still not maintaining their blocks.”

Still for Central, Daylan Preyear was still able to rack up 92 yards on the ground to go with Justin Taylor’s 56 yards on the ground.

“Our football team has a lot of young inexperience guys,” Perry said.  “So, we are using every second, snap, and games as all teachable moments, moving ahead for the future.”

Perry said this week the Lions face arch rival Calhoun in what he called the most important game because it’s the next game on the schedule.

However, he said, “Despite Calhoun’s record, Coach Starr is doing a great job each and every week to prepare his team for battle. Calhoun has a good football unit across the way.”

Against Goshen, Taylor was three of 10 passing for 30 yards with one interception.

Londell Hill had nine tackles including one assist, one sack and two tackles for loss; Keniyous Surles had six tackles including three assists; and Moore had four tackles including one assist, two tackles for loss and an interception.