Clarkdale faces daunting task in Perry Central

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November 4, 2009

By Daniel Rigdon / sports writer The Meridian Star Wed Nov 04, 2009, 11:57 PM CST

The Clarkdale football team faces a tough test in its opening round of the Class 3A playoffs. The Bulldogs (4-7) are the fourth seed from Region 5-3A and travel to Perry Central (11-0), who is the top seed out of Region 8-3A.

Adding to the difficult task has been a change in practice routine. This week's practices were ran mostly by Clarkdale assistant coaches Joey Ethridge and Wes Roy due to head coach Jud Gartman missing much of the week with an ailment.

"Those two are very dedicated coaches," said Gartman. " I'm very proud of them."

The Bulldogs will be facing a very dangerous Perry Central team that is capable of putting up a lot of points. According to Gartman, Perry runs a spread offense that can run the ball as well as pass. The Bulldogs are familiar with the spread as they have faced multiple teams that incorporate that style of offense this year.

" We've seen that style a lot this year," Gartman added. " We know what to do, we just have to do it."

Clarkdale will look to control the clock with its run-first offense. Gartman believes the offensive line will be the key factor if the Bulldogs are to take home a win.

"The offensive line needs to have a big game," Gartman noted. "They have to open up wholes for our backs and hopefully we can keep the chains moving."

Clarkdale has made the playoffs four out of the past six years but only once in the past three.

" We are gonna give it our best shot and all our guys are excited about going," Gartman said.

St. Patrick at Philadelphia

Philadelphia is set to begin its state title quest Friday night when the Tornadoes take on St. Patrick.

Philly, the No. 1 seed from Region 5-3A, has had a strong season compiling a record of (10-1). St. Patrick (3-6) comes into the contest as the fourth seed out of Region 8-3A.

The Tornadoes will rely on stud running back Brandon Willis for their offensive spark. Willis ran for 203 yards on 28 carries and four touchdowns in last week's 40-29 victory against Kemper County.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. in Philadelphia.

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