The Monterey Wildcats are preparing to take on the top-ranked 1A team in the state, South Pittsburg.
The Wildcats are coming off a blowout win over Sale Creek in the opening round of the postseason. MHS head coach Scott Hughes said his guys have come back to work this week even keeled.
“These guys have done a good job of being pretty even keeled and understanding each week is a new challenge,” said Hughes. “From a week to week standpoint, whether it was a win or a loss, they’ve really handled it well as far as coming back in on Monday.”
The Pirates (10-1, 4-1) have been the top-ranked team in the state throughout the season, blowing out every opponent except for 2A squad Meigs County.
“When you watch them, the first thing that sticks out to you is just how fast they are,” said Hughes. “It’s not just one kid. It’s at every position. They’re exceptionally fast. They’ve got some good size and you don’t ever see them make a mistake. You know you’ve got to play your best game and hope they play well under what they normally do.”
While the playoff battle has large on the field stakes, Hughes said his squad is keeping things in perspective.
“We’re fighting for everything, and they are too,” said Hughes. “But we’re very blessed to be in this situation. There’s a lot of teams this week sitting at home. For us to still be playing is a true blessing.”
The Monterey defense has allowed 12.5 points per game in 2020, but face a test in the South Pittsburg offense which has scored over 50 points per game.
On the other side of the ball, the South Pittsburg defense allows 6.1 points per game while the Monterey offense scores 32.
While others talk about the stakes of the game, Hughes said his team is focused on treating every game the same.
“For us, I think we do a pretty good job of treating every game the same,” said Hughes. “Obviously, we put a little more emphasis on region games, but I don’t have to tell my guys what’s at stake in the playoffs. They understand, you either win or you go home. They’ve got enough pressure on them as it is just wanting to compete and be good.”
Kickoff between the Pirates and Wildcats is set for 7 p.m. in South Pittsburg.