By By Adam Robinson – Sports Editor
The past two weeks have been a big test for the T.R. Miller Tiger football team and the team passed them both. First they had to overcome a scoreless frist half against Luverne and come from behind and win 14-13.
Last week for homecoming, the Tigers faced undefeated overall and in the region and No. 3 ranked Straughn. In the game against Straughn, the Tigers jumped out to a 28-0 lead and a 35-7 halftime lead before a 28-point fourth quarter from Straughn. T.R. Miller was able to hang on for the win and claim the region championship. It was the first region championship for T.R. Miller since 2006.
The first of the Tigers last two games will be against 2-6 overall and 2-4 in the region Choctaw County of Butler. T.R. Miller has a 2-1 all-time record over Choctaw County, but the two teams have not played since 1964, over 44 years ago.
While the Choctaw County record may only show two wins, Riggs said they do show some skill.
“They are better than some of the other teams we have played before. They have a little skill. They have a couple of lineman that are pretty good. One of their defensive lineman has shown signs of playing well,” Riggs said. “We have a tremendous trip to make on top of all that (close to three hours away). I think Choctaw County is a team that is just down right now. The time will come when they will get back good. Back in the early 1990s they were good, but right now they are down, but I think they will get back up here soon. It is hard for us coming off the big win last week and then having to turn around and we have Neal next week. So it's kind of a tough, in-between week for us. We have to handle that and handle the trip and go over there and win the game.”
A win this week would make the Tigers perfect in region play with a 7-0-region record. It will be the first time the Tigers have gone undefeated in region play since going 7-0 in the 2004 season.
After the 5-6 season last year, Riggs has preached to his team about finishing the year strong.
While his team has already clinched the region championship and a playoff berth, Riggs said he has been very proud of this year's team.
Game time between T.R. Miller and Choctaw County is set for 7 p.m. at Choctaw County High School in Butler, Ala.