By Mark Schmerling

PhotoDocMark@gmail.com

 

Polk County’s varsity Wolverines (1-3) are hungry for their first football win since defeating Chase in the season opener. Visiting East Henderson, 0-3, is looking for its first win of the season, period.

 

When the two squads meet in non-conference action this evening in Columbus, Polk, even with its current injury situation, has the talent to de-feather the Eagles.

 

Opening kickoff is set for 7:30.

 

“We’re looking for a win,” said Wolverine head coach Jamie Thompson.  He noted that each season, including this one, begins with the same thought: “Our goal is to win every game. We know we can win. Our kids need to get their confidence back.”

 

Thompson said he could go over each of the previous three games, and pick out one play that could have turned the game around for the Wolverines. Even in their 31-13 loss to R-S Central two weeks ago, Polk held off the Hilltoppers’ running game, though the visitors scored big in the second half. Thompson feels the Wolverines could be 4-0 now.

 

“In the 18 years I’ve been here, I can’t remember this many injuries,” he lamented, admitting that injuries are a part of the game.

 

In spite of that misfortune, “We’ve got guys stepping up, trying hard.”

 

“We need a win to get our swagger back this week,” Thompson continued, so Polk can “go into next week on a high note” when conference play begins against Madison—also in Columbus.

 

After last week’s 24-21 loss to traditional rival Landrum (a game in which an apparent Polk touchdown was called back on a penalty), “I feel like our kids didn’t mope around long,” said Thompson.

 

“We’ve got a lot of things ahead to accomplish,” said Thompson, who noted that the Wolverines’ goals include winning the remaining games, and capturing the Western Highlands Conference championship.

 

Tonight’s game against East Henderson, Thompson added, “is the most important game we’re playing, because it’s our next game. This is a huge game for us.”

 

# # #