Indians to face off against Hornets

GAME PREVIEW

Marked Tree (7-2) will travel to Hazen (8-2) for their first round game in the Class 2A state playoff. The Indians lost to the Hazen 46-6 in the second round of the playoffs last year. Marked Tree lost 38-32 to EPC in a double overtime thriller this past Friday to drop to the third seed after tying with Des Arc in the conference but losing to them 66-64 in double overtime during the season.

Hazen is coming off a 20-14 loss to Carlisle, who they beat in the state finals last year.

Ken Carter leads a Marked Tree offense that is averaging 38.9 points a game. Carter tossed five touchdowns this past Friday as T.J. Hodges rushed for 173 yards. J.J. Risper hauled in three touchdown catches as Cam Marshall and Ja'Kaymion Williams had a touchdown catch. Tate Swink, Dawon Smith, Timothy Risper and Jonah Walker are also capable receivers for Carter. Jayce Ruthven, Wesley Pitts and Jakyron Reel have been solid on the offensive line for the Indians.

Marked Tree's defense is allowing 27.7 a game and led by middle linebacker Jonah Walker. Brother J.J. and Timothy Risper are both good tacklers from their linebacker spots. Jayvion Tribble and Tate Swink play the run and pass game good as Swink will drop back and play and play linebacker some. Marshall, Williams and Dawon Smith provide solid coverage in the defensive backfield.

Hazen, who beat Carlisle 56-6 in the state finals last year, come in averaging 43.8 points a game on offense while allowing only 13.6 points a game on defense. The Hornets have won 21 of their last 23 games.