Battle of the Eagles - Newton, Woodville square off Friday in district tilt
Fentress confident about challenge
By JIMMY GALVAN Managing Editor

Fresh off a 41-14 loss to Corrigan-Camden, the Woodville Eagles get a home contest with Class 2A powerhouse Newton.

And that suits Woodville Head Football Coach Steve Fentress just fine.

"We are not out of anything," Fentress said. "We win out - we are district champs. The loss didn't help us, but we still have a chance to win a district championship if we beat Newton and Hemphill.

"I think we have a very good chance to do just that," Fentress said. "I believe my seniors will step up a little bit more than what they did against Corrigan and if that is the case, we will be alright."

Against Corrigan- Camden, the game was over just as quick as it began.

"It was over in about five and half seconds," Fentress said.

After forcing Woodville to punt on their next possession, Corrigan-Camden drove 75 yards for another score and a 14-0 lead.

Adam Rigsby led Woodville with 127 yards rushing and a touchdown as Woodville only mustered 177 total offensive yards on the night.

But Woodville showed their pride on their next drive as they drove the field to score to cut the lead to 14- 7.

From there on out, it was all the Bulldogs' show as they romped to the victory.

"It was just a bad night," Fentress said. "We couldn't line up and adjust very good. It was one of those Friday nights where nothing went right. We just weren't focused and hopefully that won't happen this Friday night or we will have the same results."

Fentress said he believes his Eagles learned a lot from this humbling defeat at the hands of the Bulldogs.

"We learned that if we take a team for granted and you have to be ready to play football," Fentress said. "After the opening kickoff, it was pretty much over. We didn't play Woodville Eagle football like we like it to be.

"It was real discouraging," Fentress said. "But every mistake that we made is correctable and that is a good thing."

Fentress said he believes his Eagles will respond to their first loss since the opening week loss against Coldspring.

"They were embarrassed," Fentress said. "They were embarrassed with how they played. I think they will respond positively."

Fentress knows the Eagles will face a Newton squad that has owned them in the past. But he also knows this is a different Woodville squad and that might be a difference maker.

"Woodville has played Newton some good games in their place as opposed to when we play them here," Fentress said. "But these kids know we are different. I think these kids know that if we control the ball we will be alright.

"The Newton mystique doesn't affect us like it does other teams," Fentress said. "I think our kids have a better feeling about the game than what we have had in the past. I think we will come into the game not down 14 points before kickoff. Most teams playing Newton are mentally beat before stepping on the field but they put their pants the same way we do."

Fentress said when the games boils down, it will Newton's 11 against Woodville's 11 on the field.

"They can only play 11 at a time - they have a bunch of athletes but only 11 are allowed on the field at a time," Fentress said. "Right now, I think our 11 can play with their 11. If we come out and play, I think it will be a great football game."