Fresh off the most lopsided loss in school history, Pillow Academy head coach Michael Fair met with players Sunday night to deliver an important message.
Fair told them this week starts a “new season” and that the Mustangs (2-4, 0-2 in the North AAA standings) were capable of putting a playoff run together.
“We started over fresh at Monday’s practice, and the kids responded well,” said Fair, whose team lost last Friday 58-0 to top-ranked Jackson Academy. “Yes, we’re 0-2 in the conference, but we’ve yet to play any division games. We have a five-game season ahead of us because we’re jumping into division play now.
“All of the goals that we set before the season are still attainable. We’re still in position to make the playoffs and win a championship. We need to win four of the last five to give us the best chance to do that.”
The “new season” starts Friday night at Magnolia Heights, which is 4-2, 1-2 after losing 23-20 to a short-handed Madison-Ridgeland Academy team that was without several suspended starters.
The top two teams from the North AAA Division II will qualify for the postseason, meaning Pillow, Magnolia Heights, Heritage, Starkville and Hillcrest are all battling for two playoff spots. MRA, JA and Washington are playing for the two playoff spots in Division I.
Since the state championship season of 2010, the Mustangs have won just one conference game, beating Magnolia Heights 33-23 in 2011.
The Mustangs started the season with low numbers and have been more short-handed as of late due to a rash of injuries and a few suspensions (violation of team rules). But the Mustangs are expected to be at full strength for the first time since a 49-27 season-opening victory at North Delta. They will have all 24 players available.
Fair hopes the return of two of the team’s fastest players (Maury Sykes and Tyler McKay) will boost an offense that has produced just seven points in PA’s first two conference losses to MRA and JA.
“If this week’s practice is any indication, I certainly think it will make a big difference. The last time they were all together, we put up 49 points,” said the sixth-year PA head coach.
But the Chiefs, always known for their physical style of play under head coach Cliff Young, will present a huge test for the Mustangs, even at full strength.
Magnolia Heights is averaging 31 points per game, and that could spell trouble for the Mustangs, who are giving up 31 points a contest.
“Magnolia Heights is always well coached. They are big and physical across the board. Both teams are quite familiar with one another. It’s going to come down to the team who executes the best,” Fair said.
“Our kids are excited about this opportunity. I like the mindset and focus I’ve seen in practice this week.”
nContact Bill Burrus at 581-7237 or bburrus@gwcommonwealth.com.
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