By David Perry
No, I am not saying this because I’m an alumni of the mighty Cougars because it’s true. Both teams have been competing for the region 5A crown for years, so it’s a big game because it counts.
No shade to Covington- I love it when they face off Brighton and Munford for bragging rights. Shoot, they were Tipton County champs for four straight years when I first start covering games in 2018.
Now, it’s evident that all bets are towards the Cougars, who is on the brink of having two undefeated seasons in four seasons, but, what did I just say? This is a RIVALRY game.
Flashback: I could remember the 2015 matchup at Brighton when Munford- who was undefeated at the time- had a comfortable 20-10 led late in the game before an interception changed the whole trajectory of that game and the Cardinals came out with a 24-20 win.
I also remember the Covid matchup with the emergence of Braxton Sharp and Nick Harvell, who gave the Cougars a run for their money before Munford closed out a 39-34 win.
Records are thrown out the window for this game. As Slade Calhoun and his crew always state: it’s a “faceless opponent” each week.
Well, there is a record for this week: 0-0. Both teams chasing that “first win”.
More than just a win for good standings and to flex, it’s personal.
The Cardinals, and also the Chargers, have been frowning upon Munford for their accusations of “illegally recruiting” players. Hence why the annual Munford vs. Covington opener was canceled.
I will keep this conversation real short:
Did munford receive dynamic transfers over the last few years that makes it look suspicious? Yes.
Did they recruit them? Nope.
That’s all I’m saying about it. If you want more details, contact me and I may write a story about if I get enough responses: dapjr7@gmail.com
Now, let’s break down each team:
Munford’s has a super explosive offense. Probably the best offense I’ve seen since their fairy-tale season. However, instead of running that spread offense, they are running old-school, run-the-ball offense.
And it’s giving them nearly fifty points a game which is the ironic part.
With their size and speed and led by Tay Starks and Bricen Turnage, they have been tearing apart any team they faced including wins over big-time teams, so the Cardinals are in for a real challenge.
While Brighton has a losing record, they cannot be overlooked.
While covering their game against 6A White Station, their high energy stood out. Their grit and fight dazzled me.
Keith Setler really set the tone for his players which is what I respect about him. He was so into it, they called a sideline warning on him.
They started the game off with a bang with big plays and kept it consistent until the end. The defense will be a key role for Friday’s game.
Sophomore Jonathan Matthews was a huge anchor for the defense with a scoop-and-score to get their momentum going, and a huge tackle to force the Spartans to move the ball on the opposite side of him.
Realistically, it’s going to be an exciting game at Sid Witherington with both teams going at it to break off the tension.
Munford always does it big for their home games with the marching band bringing the noise as well as die-hard fans. Brighton peeps won’t have to travel far, so I expect a packed out game with some high quality football being played.
