Apollo football is looking to extend its winning streak to three games when they host McCracken County under the Friday night lights.
The Eagles have been able to put it all together as of late, using a combination of a steady ground game and getting stops when necessary to come away with back-to-back wins.
Apollo defeated North Hardin 10-7 in week four and then defeated Meade County 29-20 the following week.
In their matchup with Meade County, the Eagles had sophomore Noah Rhinerson and junior Donte Dixon lead the charge offensively in the backfield.
The two had ample carries and combined for three touchdowns, as Rhinerson tallied up 140 rushing yards on 18 carries and Dixon had 115 rushing yards on 16 carries.
Junior Christian Combs also had a good day, throwing for 118 passing yards on 13-18 passing attempts and a touchdown.
The Eagles have made strides defensively as well, only allowing 27 points in the last two weeks after giving up at least 27 points in the first three games of the season.
McCracken County will be coming in with a lot of energy, as they just grabbed its first win of the season at a score of 45-13 against Marshall County.
The Mustangs are led by their passing game offensively, as junior quarterback Pryor Lamb averages 194 passing yards and a touchdown per game.
Seniors Zander Mayes and Nick Masek are his primary targets as they average 74 and 53 yards per game respectively.
McCracken County also looks to a pair of running backs for a chunk of their offense, as senior Jeremiah Hughes (56 yards per game) and senior Isaiah Keys (33 yards per game) combine for nearly 90 rushing yards per game.
The Mustangs have shown glimpses of a solid defense in two of their games this season, but in three of their games they’ve allowed more than 30 points.
Head Coach John Edge said the Eagles will have to work to keep the chains moving and take away big plays defensively.
“McCracken is very tough on defense,” Edge said. “We have to move the ball and score points. Offensively they will run, run, run and play action you. [We] need to eliminate big plays.”
Edge said that Apollo must play its best game of the season, as they want to start district play with a win.
In order to do that, Edge said the keys to success is completing all of its offensive opportunities and limiting mistakes on both sides of the ball.
“[We have to] score in the redzone,” Edge said. “[Other keys are] don’t turn it over and don’t give up big plays.”
Apollo will look to do just that when they hit the gridiron and host McCracken County at 7 p.m. on Friday.
