By Mark Schmerling
mark.schmerling@tryondailybulletin.com

This Friday night, the 2-2 Polk County Wolverines look to move their record above .500 when they visit the East Henderson Eagles.

The 0-3 Eagles will obviously be trying to knock off the Wolverines who’ve won their last two games fairly comfortably.

As with Polk, they have a new coach (John McMillan). Polk coach Jamie Thompson notes of the Eagles, “They have some good skill players including, he said, Nick Lyons (#4) and Nykeem Brooks (#22).  Wide receivers and defensive backs each, Lyons and Brooks will test the improving passing game of the Wolverines’ Jamal Wheeler, and the Wolverines’ improving pass defense.

On offense they’ll have to contend with Polk’s Storm Wheeler who intercepted three passes against Landrum, and other Polk pass defenders who force turnovers.

Thompson pointed out that the Eagles have a new offensive look. “They like to misdirect things.” Of the Eagles’ 0-3 mark, Thompson observed. “They haven’t won a game yet. I imagine they’re hungry.”

They’ll be facing the always-hungry Wolverines, who have already gotten 40 tackles (including five for loss of yardage) from Jordan Smith and 36 from Khiree Green.

Polk’s Jamal Wheeler has already passed for 420 yards and three touchdowns while leading the Wolverines with 386 rushing yards (and five touchdowns). Wheeler has hit his favorite receiver, Jason Chupp for 182 yards.

Of his team, Thompson added, “We’re on a roll. I have to think we’ll keep it going.

They’ll have to do it without the rushing of Tyler Jackson, who has a sore shoulder. Opening kickoff is set for 7:30. East Henderson High school is located at 110 Upward Road, East Flat Rock.