The Minden High Crimson Tide is sitting pretty in the district 1-4A standings following last week’s improbable 25-24 overtime win at Benton.
The Tide trailed for most of the contest before coming back to take the lead, then seeing that lead vanish as Benton pushed the game into overtime.
But The Tide is riding a wave of momentum after a one-handed grab by Tavarius Edwards in the extra period gave Minden its biggest win yet under second year coach, Spencer Heard.
“Spirits are high,” Heard said. “The guys are real upbeat this week. Today I thought we had a really good practice.”
The Crimson Tide spirits should be high. Coming into the season Minden wasn’t exactly a trendy pick to win the district. However, here they are with just two games left on the regular season slate in a first place tie with Benton and North Desoto.
Also in play is the possibility of a home playoff game in The Pit, but the Tide has to take it one game at a time.
“There’s a lot of stuff riding on these next couple games,” Heard said. “I warned our guys that Huntington is No. 33 in the power rankings so they’re going to be really hungry coming in here. They’re going to be ready to play.”
The Raiders don’t bring an amazing record into this contest (4-4) but have been in some very close games and have the athletes to trouble the Tide.
“Defensively we have to contain their quarterback,” Heard said in reference to Huntington’s Aaron Roberson. “He’s one of the best, if not the best, athletes in the district. When things break down he can just make things happen.”
On offense the Tide sees several spots they believe they can take advantage of with their personnel.
“We just want to continue to improve,” Heard said. “We want to try and attack some things we see as an advantage. But, really we just want to continue to get better at what we’ve been doing.”
The Crimson Tide has the benefit of playing their final two games at home in The Pit as they jockey for playoff position.
“It’s a really big advantage,” Heard said. “First off you don’t have to travel, there’s that. Also, I think these guys enjoy playing for the home town crowd. I think it really motivates them.”