Mitchell County and Terrell County face each other in big region game

Tonight’s matchup between Mitchell County and Terrell County features two teams with matching 3-4 records that are trying to keep their playoff hopes alive. With just three games remaining in the regular season, the winner would find themselves in first place in Region 1-A.

The loser would not necessarily be out of the playoff picture but would likely need to win out to make the playoffs.

The Eagles have won their last two games after losing four in a row. Mitchell coach Larry Cornelius installed a new offense that he feels is better suited for his team. The team no longer runs the read-option that they ran in previous years and now takes most of their snaps under center.

After their game two weeks ago against Baconton Charter, Cornelius was happy to see that his team did not turn the ball over. Turnovers had plagued the Eagles in their first five games.

In the team’s four losses, they scored just a combined 33 points, but in their first game with the new offense, they eclipsed that total during a 42-0 victory over Baconton.

“It has been great so far in the first two weeks,” Mitchell coach Larry Cornelius said. “But, we still have to battle test it. I think it fits our mentality a little bit better. It takes a little bit more time off the clock. It puts the game more in our defense’s hands.”

Mitchell’s defense has also made improvements. After giving up an average of 31.6 points per game in their first five games, the Eagles enter tonight’s game having shut out Baconton and Miller County, their last two opponents.

“I think our players have been focused,” Cornelius said of the defense. “They are staying on their read keys and hustling to the football.”

Both teams enter the game with a 2-0 record in Region 1-A play.

Terrell is on a two-game win streak after beating Calhoun County and Baconton Charter. Offensively, Terrell is led by quarterback Detravion Bishop. The senior possesses a strong arm and is also one of the fastest players in the area. The Greenwave put up a season high 34 points in their last outing against Baconton.

Both teams currently find themselves on the outside of the playoff picture. Terrell is ranked 21^st in the Georgia High School Association Class A Public School Power Ratings, while Mitchell comes in at 22^nd. At the end of the season, the top 16 teams in the rankings will make the playoffs. The Region 1-A champion earns an automatic bid to the postseason, making tonight’s game even more critical