September 9, 2009

Story and Photographs by Greg Maupin

On Tuesday, the Harris Middle School football team will enter Week 4 of the 2009 football season as the team travels to McMinnville. Harris (2-1, 1-1 CTC) will face off against the Pioneers of Warren County (2-1, 1-1 CTC) in a Central Tennessee Conference matchup.

Harris is coming off a big win over previously undefeated Coffee County last week. The Eagles are in a virtual five way tie with four other teams, including Warren County, for third place in the conference.

Labor Day may have been a holiday for most people including Bedford County school kids, but the Eagles used the day to get one last workout before Tuesday's game. "Labor Day is usually our worst practice," said Harris coach Jim Doughtry. "We did okay in practice today considering school is out and several players are still out of town for the horse show. Lots of kids were half speed today, but this practice still allowed us to get some light work in before Tuesday's game."

Winning in McMinnville won't be easy. Last week, Warren County was shutout 22-0 at the hands of Franklin County South and will be looking for a win. Prior to the loss to South, Warren County had won their first game in two years with a 25-0 season opening win over Sequatchie County followed by a 34-0 over Franklin County North. The Pioneers are led by number thirteen, quarterback Hunter McMullican, who passed for five touchdowns and ran for two more in Warren County's first two games.

Mullican's favorite receivers are Kyler Walker and Park Hilliard. Walker had four of the receptions including a 31 yard reception in the Sequatchie County game. Hilliiard had one reception in the game against North.

In order to get the passing game open, Warren County first takes to their running game. Lee Carden (2) and Drew Davidson are the leading rushers for the Pioneers. Carden had 130 yards on 14 touches in the game against North while Davidson had 85 yards on 4 touches along with two touchdowns in the same game.

"Warren County is a pivital game for us. If we win the game, we stay in the race. If we loose, it puts us in a difficult position and will have a lot of ground to make up to get back in the race," added Doughtry. " If our players play hard, we have a good chance to win. Our kids must have the attitude and desire to want to win this game. They know what they have to do and must play like they did against Coffee County, and we must play our best game to win.".

Kickoff is set for 6:30pm CST in McMinnville. Warren County plays their games at the old Warren County High School and current Warren County Middle School. .