The Upperman Bees rolled to their fourth straight region championship in the 2021 regular season, but are preparing for a challenge when they look to keep their season alive against Soddy Daisy in the first round of the postseason.
The Bees (9-1) will host a Trojans (4-6) team that has won three straight games on Friday night in Baxter.
“They’re on a three-game winning streak,” said Caine. “I think where they’ve really made their improvement is moving the ball offensively. They’re a quality opponent.”
For Upperman, slowing down the Trojans’ attack will be centered around slowing down junior quarterback Slater Hickman and sophomore running back Tanner Whittenbarger.
“The quarterback is playing really well,” said Caine. “He’s throwing the ball well… and he’s able to put the ball on the money. I think their running back is as good as any running back we’ve seen all year. Their offense presents a lot of problems for us.”
The UHS senior core, led by quarterback Ty Dutchess among others, has hosted their first-round playoff games for four straight seasons. Caine said he expects his seniors to rise to the occasion with their season on the line.
“I think the guys recognize what’s going on,” said Caine. “I usually think by the time Friday rolls around your seniors know it’s time to get it going.”
Caine said he knows, despite the fact UHS holds the one-seed out of Region 4/4A, they should expect a competitive game. Last year the Bees earned an overtime win over Signal Mountain in the first round.
“It seems like every year we’re always running into someone who’s starting to play really good football,” said Caine. “This is no different. We better get ourselves ready to play. It’s playoff football.”
Kickoff between the Trojans and Bees is set for 7 p.m. in Baxter. The game will be livestreamed on the UCR Facebook page with pregame coverage starting at 6:45 with Noah McKay, Justin Matheney and Alex Pitman on the call.