NP set for Falcons

By Ike House
The Cougars are up against one of their toughest opponents of the season when the Velma Jackson Falcons come to town for the second round of 3A playoffs in a 7 p.m. kickoff.
The running game of Velma Jackson (10-1) has been big this year with a 1,400 yard rusher in senior James Smith (No. 28) with 14 touchdowns.
Their quarterback, sophomore Antavious Willis (No. 12), has 925 yards through the air with six touchdowns and 743 yards on the ground and 17 touchdowns.
On the defensive side of the ball Velma Jackson only has 10 sacks. The Cougars have an advantage in that regards as they have not given up many sacks this season while guarding a pass heavy offense. The Falcons also do not force many turnovers with only four interceptions on the season.
“They are big and fast and have some good backs. They throw the ball enough just to keep teams honest,” head coach Carl Diffee said. “We have to do a really good job executing and making sure our kids are in position.”
Last week Cougars had 236 yards through the air and three touchdowns. On the ground they had 379 yards and three scores. Diffee said he was trying to throw the ball to open up the running game.
“We feel like they are going try and put guys in the box to make us throw the ball,” Diffee said. “But no matter what, we have to make sure we can move the ball either on the ground or through the air.”
Last Friday night the Cougars forced four turnovers with two interceptions by Tyler Shorter and two fumble recoveries by Sylvonta Oliver and Lavonta Towns. The Cougars have forced a turnover in all but two games this season.
“Our defense matches up really well with them,” Diffee said. “We have some special things lined up this week to stop what they do.”
The Cougars have some injuries this week just as well as any other team this far in the season but one of their biggest injuries is Jarvis Echols the big bodied twin receiver to Jamarvis Echols. He has been out for two weeks but Diffee said that there is a possibility that he comes back this week.
“If he is healthy then he will be on the field but if not we will let him heal,” Diffee said.
Tickets are $8 at the gate.