‘Landers look to keep rolling against Longhorns
Published 12:31 pm Tuesday, October 20, 2020
File Photo/Larry N. Souders The ‘Landers Eli Presswood (76) blasts into Hancock’s backfield and delivers a pancake tackle on the Indians Gabe Turner (28) for a five-yard loss. The Highlander defense will face another stern test Friday on Orr Field when they welcome the Johnson County Longhorns.
File Photo/Ivan Sanders Cloudland head coach Scott Potter feels optimistic that if his team plays the way they are capable and don't make mistakes they have an opportunity to defeat the visiting Longhorns of Johnson County Friday night in Roan Mountain.
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BY NIC MILLER
STAR CORRESPONDENT
ROAN MOUNTAIN – After winning big on the road against Jellico last Friday night, the Cloudland Highlanders are looking to keep their good fortune alive this week as they host the Johnson County Longhorns.
With all of the Highlanders conference games out of the picture, this game is a chance to see how they fare against a bigger school as well as improve their overall record.
The Highlanders come into this week boasting an impressive record of five wins and three losses. Two of those losses coming from rival Hampton and the other coming against another county team, Happy Valley.
While they have lost those three games, those games were non-conference contests – in league play the ‘Landers are undefeated, beating Hancock County, Unaka, and Jellico this season.
As his team comes into this Friday matchup, Cloudland head coach Scott Potter talked about things he saw from last week’s contest saying, “The truth is we are pretty banged up from previous games, but the good thing is we had kids step up and were able to get the win.
“However, we have to be able to take care of the football better, we had too many turnovers.”
Potter also spoke about the improvements he has seen from his team over the course of the season saying, “Since the beginning of the season, we have gotten in better shape and I think these guys are making improvements in understanding our schemes better.”
Lastly, Potter also talked about this week’s task and how his team plans to walk away with a victory over a bigger school, “They are very talented and a well-coached ball club.
“They have played a tougher schedule than we have, so that means for starters we need to do the little things better, no mental mistakes.
“We also have to take care of the football and not turn it over. If we do that, I believe that we can keep it close and have a shot at winning this one.”
Kickoff between the Highlanders and Longhorns is set for 7:30 p.m Friday night at Orr Field in Roan Mountain.
