Region play begins this week for the T.R. Miller Tiger football team as it will host the Bayside Academy Admirals.
The Admirals come into the game with TRM with a 1-0 record after downing Faith Academy 41-14 Friday.
TRM head coach Jamie Riggs said this year’s Admirals are the exact same of teams in the past.
“They are the same like they always are,” he said. “There is no difference whatsoever in them. They are very similar in what they have done on offense and defense. They have a tremendous kicking game. I just don’t see a difference in them to the other teams they have had. They beat Faith and that says something.”
TRM is 5-2 against Bayside Academy all-time. Last year, TRM won 34-23 in Daphne.
The first year the two teams met, TRM won by 28 points over the Admirals. The last six games have been decided by a total of 28 combined points.
“We have played them seven times and the last few have been some wow, crazy games,” he said. “Our games have been barnburners. I look for this to be the same kind of game. We need to come out and do our job and get the game into the fourth quarter.
“Right now, that is what we are trying to do. We want to be in the game in the fourth quarter and make some plays. When you play these guys that is what you have to do.”
Riggs said he has great respect for Bayside and he hopes his team can prepare for them and get ready for a good game despite the inexperience on his team this year.
“I asked our kids Monday who has played in this game before and I only got seven or eight hands,” he said. “A lot have watched the game and been on the sidelines, but none have really played in these games. I think they have an idea, but we are trying to learn how to play.”
Riggs said he also hopes Friday’s win at Tallassee will be give his team some momentum heading into region play.
“It is better to be 1-1 than 0-2,” Riggs said. “A win does everybody good. We were low after Andalusia. We got beat convincingly, but in football you don’t have to stay where you are. You can do something about it if you are willing to do what it takes.
“Hopefully we will continue to do that and win some more games and have a successful season.”