By David Morrison | High School Sports Reporter
Published: October 23, 2009

Coming off its first loss of the season, No. 9 Central could be primed for a letdown at home against its rival Smiths Station tonight.

Panthers coach Mark Rose isn’t so sure about that.

“I don’t think there’s any good time to get them,” Rose said, with a laugh.

The Smiths Station-Central game is one rich with history, but, this season at least, is bereft of consequences.

Smiths Station (2-6, 0-6 region) is out of the playoff picture and playing for pride.

Central (7-1, 5-1) has already clinched the second seed in the region and will host Stanhope Elmore — a team it defeated, 32-29, on a blocked field goal on the final play of the game Sept. 25 — in the first round in two weeks.

The Red Devils have won 12 of the 17 meetings between the schools, but the Panthers have won two of the past three seasons.
Including a 27-24 Smiths Station victory last season that punched the Panthers’ ticket to the playoffs and made the Red Devils miss the postseason for only the second time in the past 17 years.

“It’s one of those deals where this game kind of stands apart,” Rose said. “I mean, it’s a lot of fun for both schools, both groups of kids know each other, kind of have that rivalry growing up.

“This is Central-Smiths Station. That’s all there is to it.”

Smiths Station has relied on a steady dose of Michael Nolin to Rod Austin for its offensive firepower this season.

The junior quarterback has passed for 958 yards and 14 scores this season, with 52 percent of his passes, 65 percent of his passing yards and 86 percent of his scores going to Austin. The senior wideout has 36 catches for 626 yards and 12 touchdowns this season.

While the Panthers’ offense has been explosive at times, its defense — which had no returning starters and only one player back that saw significant time last season — has been suspect.

Not good news when you’re going against Central, which is averaging 32 points and 364 yards per game.

Senior Deon Hill leads the Red Devils’ charge with 1121 yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground this season, and classmate Cordary Clark-Allen complements him out of the shotgun, putting up 526 yards and nine scores so far this year.

With Central and Valley — teams with a combined 13-3 record — remaining on his team’s schedule, Rose said the goal for his young team will be to keep building for next season.

dmorrison@oanow.com| 737-2568

Smiths Station (2-6, 0-6) at No. 9 Central (7-1, 5-1)
Smiths Station Key Players: WR Rod Austin (Sr., 5-9, 190); RB/LB Lorenzo Betties (Jr., 5-8, 230); QB Michael Nolin (Jr., 5-10, 150)

Central Key Players: LB Montrel Crawford (Sr., 6-1, 195); RB Deon Hill (Sr., 6-0, 190); LB Bronterrious Jakes (Jr., 5-10, 180)

Stat Pack: Austin has 626 yards and 12 scores receiving this year ... Central rushes for 277 yards per game ... Crawford leads the Red Devils with 70 stops.

Series Information: Smiths Station beat the Red Devils, 27-24, last season. The Panthers have won two of the past three, but Central holds a 12-5 all-time edge.