Ooltewah coach Benny Monroe takes pride in calling plays and making adjustments over the course of a football game. Results from those decisions could go a long way in determining the winner when the Owls host Oakland in a TSSAA Class 5A semifinal Friday at 7 p.m.
Ooltewah (11-1) has depended on its defense and kicking game this year and been run-heavy when it’s had the ball. Senior tailback Matthew Polk has rushed for 1,867 yards and 26 touchdowns.
Now the Owls are facing a defense likewise as imposing as theirs. If each team were to score what the other allows per game, the Patriots would prevail 8.3-8.2 on Friday.
“They’re 12-1 and have had a lot of success with their defense,” Monroe said. “It’s carried them, especially in close games. They create a lot of problems for you. We’ve just kind of got to look and see what they’re giving us and take advantage of what we can do.
“We’re not stupid, but you can be real smart and still not be able to take advantage of a team that’s as good as they are defensively. The big thing is not trying to do something you’re not capable of doing. That’s when you turn the ball over. We can’t afford to make mistakes.”
Much of Polk’s production has been between 6-foot-2, 290-pound senior center Brian Williams and guards Jay Crowley (6-2, 260) and Que Jackson (5-11, 280). The middle is where the Patriots’ 6-foot-2, 315-pound junior defensive tackle and Mr. Football lineman candidate Tim McAdoo is stationed.
“They’re big, but I’m not worried about it,” McAdoo said. “I’m just going to go out and do my job like I always do.”
Fifteen of McAdoo’s 81 tackles have been in the backfield, and four are sacks. He’s also caused three fumbles and recovered two.
Oakland first-year coach Thomas McDaniel praised his entire defensive line and thinks it’s as good as there is in the state.
“We have some other great defensive linemen, as well as Tim,” McDaniel said. “This will be a good challenge for our defensive front. We’ve challenged our defensive linemen several times this year. We challenge our defensive linemen on a weekly basis.”
Ooltewah also has a Mr. Football lineman finalist in junior defensive end Jacques Smith. McDaniel said he’s been impressed watching Smith’s exploits on a television screen, especially knowing opponents try to game plan for him.
“He’s a very athletic, high-motor guy,” McDaniel said. “He comes off the edge hard. He can blow up a play. If you don’t get a body on him he can disrupt everything you’re trying to do. The only true similarity with him and Tim is that they’re both pretty physical specimens.”
The Patriots haven’t advanced to postseason since a first-round loss in 2003. The Owls are making their fourth consecutive playoff appearance, including losing at Smyrna in a semifinal in 2006.
“It’s better being at home,” Monroe said, “but I don’t know if it will help you win the game.”
Written by: Kelley Smiddie
www.timesfreepress.com
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