Conference play opens Friday at Carthage

By Richard Carpenter

Special to the Daily Mail

One of the older rivalries in Southwest Missouri will resume tonight. The Carthage Tigers versus the Nevada Tigers is a match up that is as old as football for both of these communities. The local Tigers come into the contest with their best start in several years. After a close loss in the opening tilt with Bolivar on the road, Nevada has put together back to back wins defeating El Dorado Springs and Butler.

The Carthage Tigers also bring a 2-1 record to Friday night's game. Carthage began the season with impressive victories against Miami, Oklahoma and Nixa, Missouri. Last week in their Southwest Conference opener Carthage lost a close battle with one of the premiere teams in the state, Webb City.

Coach Shannon Jolley noted that Carthage runs a lot of motion in their "big play" offense.

Carthage is led by talented quarterback Trey Derryberry. He is supported by two other gifted skill players, Steven Poston at running back, and Clay Kinman at wide receiver.

Jolley and his staff feel that if Nevada can eliminate some of the mistakes that plagued them last week against Butler, they can keep the game close.

His game plan is to try and get the game into the fourth quarter with his team in a position to win. Coach Jolley feels that special teams could make the difference in a close game. Nevada has only one starter out for this conference opening game. Sophomore center Ron Johnson is out with a hip injury.

Otherwise the Tigers are in pretty good physical shape for the game.

Coach Jolley was really proud of his defense. He felt they matured a lot last week.

The Tigers had trouble hanging on to the ball and their defense had to spend a lot of time on the field. The staff feels that the experience of having to hold a narrow lead for so long gave the defense a lot of confidence. Coach Jolley had high praise for his core group of seniors, Ryan Herda, Jerrod Alexander, Ronnie Herda, Jake Anderson, and Jacob Cherry. Probably the biggest surprise has been the improved play of Logan Harms.

Logan has had seven catches including his first touchdown reception against Butler. His addition to Jolley's other experienced receivers of Dan Lovinger and Colby Shepherd give Nevada the ability to make the explosive "big play." Some up and coming players Jolley felt are bringing a lot to the team include senior Tyler Werner who plays both ways as a nose tackle and fullback

Junior Cole Ogle at tight end and defensive end along with Trevor Foreman at running back and defensive back have given the Tigers a lot more depth this year. Kyle Hughes had been out due to illness and his return last week was especially welcomed.

This year's old renewal for two Tiger teams will undoubtedly see a large crowd from both schools.

The staff and players are hoping for a big turnout of Nevada fans, so get there early and loud is most definitely "GOOD!"