Sardis hosts Boaz in rivalry, region clash

Sardis and Boaz are no strangers on the football field, having met 65 times before with the Pirates leading the series 39-22-4. But Friday’s Class 5A, Region 6 game between the teams in Sardis City has a little more meaning now that it’s a region showdown.

The teams enter the Sand Mountain rivalry game nearly on opposite ends of the region standings. The Pirates (6-1, 3-0) are tied with Etowah for first place, while the Lions (2-4, 1-3) are on the outside looking in from a playoff perspective, tied with Crossville for fifth place.

So both teams have a lot to play for in addition to the rivalry factor.

Sardis, which has not lost to Boaz since 2014, is coming off defeats to Geraldine and Alexandria, both games the Lions could have won. Sardis stormed back from a 20-0 deficit to within 20-19 of the Bulldogs but couldn’t complete the comeback. Last week, the Lions led the Valley Cubs 15-13 at halftime before being outscored 20-0 in the second half.

With just one region game after this week (Oct. 19 at Crossville), the Lions will need to win Friday and next week and get some help to have a shot at the postseason, but it is possible.

The Pirates would win the region title if it wins out or loses one region game but gets some help. But starting this week, Boaz does not have a home game for the rest of the regular season.

Each team will bring a strong defense to the field; Boaz gives up 14.6 points per game, Sardis allows 18.8.

Both groups also have offensive playmakers. For the Lions, Jay Owens and Trent Presley have shared the quarterback spot this year, and both have had their big moments. Drew Vaughn and Temon Wilson spearhead the rushing attack, while Jacob Hopper is a massive target in the receiving game.

The problem for Sardis has been finishing off drives and getting touchdowns. It especially hurt in a 14-10 defeat to Southside on Sept. 7, a game the Lions lost on a late Panther touchdown. Sardis had numerous chances to put the game out of reach but never could capitalize.

The offense also could not keep up last week when Alexandria began scoring in the second half.

The unit very likely will have to be able to take advantage of its scoring chances to keep pace with a Boaz team that scores 34.6 points per game.

It’s no secret that Christian Collins will get a lot of carries for the Pirates, but teams still haven’t been able to stop the senior running back. Keeping Collins from running wild likely will be the Lions’ top defensive priority Friday. Slow him, and the Lions give themselves a solid shot at a win.

BOAZ AT SARDIS

When: 7 p.m. Friday

Where: Lions Stadium, Sardis City

Records: Boaz 6-1, 3-0 Region 6; Sardis 2-4, 1-3

Series: Boaz leads 39-22-4

Last time: Sardis beat Boaz 35-7 in 2017