First time for Wildcats to host playoff game

LAWRENCEBURG, Tenn. - David Marston just laughs it off when he is reminded that no player on his current roster was alive the last time Lawrence County made the state playoffs.

"It's been quite a drought for our program," he said. "We had some up years and some down years, but we were able to pull it together this season. Our guys really stepped up to get rid of that playoff stigma."

Friday night's playoff opener against Craigmont will mark the first time since 1986 that a Lawrence County team has appeared in the Tennessee state playoffs.

It will be the first time in the program's history that the Wildcats have hosted a playoff game.

"Twenty-three years is a long time, but it's been worth the wait," Marston said. "Our guys are fired up and ready to play, and the entire community has rallied to show an enormous amount of support. We aren't content with just being here, though. We are determined to win."

After dropping the fist two games of the season to No. 9 Columbiana and No 5. Giles County, the Wildcats (8-2, 4-1) rallied to run off eight consecutive victories, capping the regular season with a 36-7 victory over Class AAA, District 8 foe Tullahoma.

Led by senior fullback Harry Douglas (850 yards), senior quarterback Logan Taylor (500 yards) and junior running back Trent Garland (500 yards), the Wildcats have accumulated nearly 3,000 rushing yards this season, while averaging nearly 35 points per game.

According to Marston, it's the offensive balance that is responsible for putting the Wildcats where they are today.

"It's hard enough for a defense to focus on shutting down one productive running back," he said. "To game plan to stop three guys who are capable of beating you with their legs is a nightmare. Especially when you have a quarterback like Logan who can put the ball in the air. It's really worked out well for us, though. Our offense has just been fantastic."

The Wildcat defense, which had allowed a mere 12 points per game, is anchored by line backer Zach Martin, the team's leading tackler, and right guard Charles Sweton.

For Martin, the defensive success is directly related to that off the Wildcats' offense.

"The offensive production definitely makes our job easier," he said. "It's nice knowing that you have a team that is capable of scoring 40 points a game. It really lets you relax and focus on playing your game."

While making the playoffs is a big step in turning the program around, Marston said simply appearing in the postseason isn't enough.

"We aren't satisfied with making the playoffs," he said. "The players aren't satisfied, the coaches aren't satisfied and neither is the community. We want to win. We expect to win, and if we come out and play our game I think we will win."