By Mark Schmerling

 

Yes, this evening is homecoming at Polk County High School, but it’s also the first Western Highlands Conference football game of the season, as the Madison County Patriots come to Columbus to challenge the Wolverines.

 

“It’s the first conference game,” Polk head coach Jamie Thompson noted, not for the news value of that statement, but to observe that before conference play begins, all seven WHC teams have identical 0-0 records in the circuit.

 

“You want to get started on the right foot,” Thompson continued. “We had a great week of practice. We’re ready to get after it,” he reported.

 

Madison enters the game at 0-5, after a 44-0 drubbing by Pisgah last week. The 2-3 Wolverines wrapped up East Henderson, 36-14 last Friday, in a game less close than the score indicated.

 

Nonetheless, Thompson, taking nothing for granted, pointed out four fine Patriots players in particular. They include Colby Edwards (#5) and Jordan Baker (#8), who alternate at quarterback, with each on the sidelines on offense, though both play defensive back. The other two are Mason Edwards (#32), a running back and linebacker, and Dakota Surrett (#44), a wide receiver and linebacker.

 

The Wolverines will counter with running quarterback Jamal Wheeler (89 carries for 524 yards and seven touchdowns; while completing 21 passes for 405 yards and three TDs. Polk’s other weapons include Storm Wheeler (154 yards on 43 carries, and five catches for 147 yards); Josh Chupp (five catches); and hard-hitting defenders including Khiree Green (also a running back, who leads the Wolverines with 35 tackles); Fred Salerno; Devin Panchyshyn; Dustin Calvert; Bradon Miller; Storm Wheeler; Jaymes Wingo and Jamal Wheeler.

 

Winless so far this season, the patriots will be hungry for their first.

 

Opening kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m., with homecoming activities set for half time.

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