The Post Route - Week 11

Your guide to Madison County high school football

WEDNESDAY

Gibson County (1-8, 0-6) at Jackson Central-Merry (6-2, 4-2)

Last year’s score: JCM 54, Gibson Co. 0

Players to watch: JCM DL Davien Harris

What to know: The Cougars are in the playoffs, possibly second in the region and hosting a first-round playoff game next week, with a win in this game. They’re coming off possibly their biggest win of the year in which they held the defending state champion to one score.

Turning point: Head coach Erit Turner said he felt winning this game in 2023 gave the Cougars something positive to build on as they went through winter workouts and conditioning and really sparked the entire offseason.

THURSDAY

South Gibson (4-5, 2-2) at South Side (3-6, 0-4)

Last year’s score: South Gibson 48, South Side 21

Players to watch: South Side lineman Keonte Ellison

What to know: South Gibson’s defense is good, but their offense has been suspect at times. There are a couple of former Hawks on the Hornets’ roster, which could also motivate the team from Jackson. Just like JCM’s offense was sparked by the positive of a season-ending win last year, head coach Lester Narcisse is probably looking for something similar in this game for the Hawks program while also wanting to send the seniors out on a positive note.

No effect on standings: Both the Hornets and Hawks have secured their spot in the final region standings. While each of the other four teams in the region are playing to win something, South Gibson is third in the region no matter what happens here or elsewhere. South Side is out of the playoffs no matter what.

FRIDAY

Trinity Christian (6-3, 4-0) at Jackson Christian (8-1, 4-0)

Last year’s score: TCA 27, Jackson Christian 17

Players to watch: TCA QB Cooper Vailes; Jackson Christian DL Sky Staten

What to know: Two big things happened in last year’s game that hindered the Eagles’ efforts at winning - a season-ending injury for eventual Mr. Football Jay’Len Mosley and five lost turnovers in the second half. There’s no way to control injuries, but the Eagles are more experienced and should be able to avoid that five-turnover performance. Meanwhile, the Lions will probably try to shorten the game as much as possible since depth could become a factor in this game the longer it goes.

On the verge of history: If Jackson Christian were to win this game, this would be the first time since 2005 for the Eagles to win a region championship.

North Side (6-3, 4-0) at Chester County (6-3, 4-0)

Last year’s score: Chester Co. 16, North Side 7

Players to watch: North Side WR Davien Caruthers

What to know: Both teams have size. Both teams have speed. North Side’s specialty is more in the air attack. Chester County has made a name for itself in its physical defensive play. Something will have to give in this one as both teams are looking to play the No. 4 team from Region 5 next week.

Close game experience: North Side has four games that have come down to the final possession. Chester County has three. The Indians went 2-2 in their close games. The Eagles went 2-1 in theirs.

Lausanne (6-1, 4-0) at University School of Jackson (8-1, 3-1)

Last year’s score: Lausanne 44, USJ 10

Players to watch: USJ WR Mills Terry

What to know: The biggest advantage the Lynx have over the Bruins is their ability to recruit all of Shelby County and pull together some of the best athletes in Memphis and the surrounding area. With the exception of that, this game looks pretty even on paper. If Noah Spencer is healthy for the Bruins, look for him in the ground game and the air attack led by Terry on the edge to try to keep the Lausanne defense guessing while USJ tries to win a region championship in a larger class.

23 or below: The Bruins are undefeated as long as they hold their opponents to 23 points or fewer. They’re 1-1 when their opponents score more. Northpoint scored 24 in their loss and then ECS scored 35 when the Bruins beat them.

Bolivar (4-4, 3-3) at Liberty (0-9, 0-6)

Last year’s score: Bolivar 76, Liberty 20

Players to watch: Liberty LB Makii Long

What to know: Liberty could soften the harshness of this season with a win over a longtime rival to end the season. The last time Bolivar came to Jackson earlier this month, the Tigers were sent home with an embarrassing loss. Liberty can try to make it two in a row for the green team.

Points allowed: The Crusaders have allowed an average of 47.1 points per game in eight full games played so far this year.

Compiled by Brandon Shields