The Fayette Citizen-News Page
Friday, October 23, 1998
Indians to duke it out with Grangers

By MICHAEL BOYLAN
Sports Editor

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Garland-Shoemake Stadium will be rocking tonight. The question is, will you be a part of the rock? Tonight, eighth ranked East Coweta plays host to second ranked LaGrange. Both teams are undefeated and the winner of this game will most likely stay that way for the rest of the season. The teams are well coached, superstar-laden and match up incredibly well on both sides of the line. This is what high school football is all about. This is the type of game that keeps us from watching that new Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen television show.

How many of you know that Coach Danny Cronic used to coach at LaGrange before becoming the coach of the Indians? It may not be Georgia's version of the "Tuna Bowl" but it may be used to fuel both teams fires. The Grangers want to show they are a better program without Cronic and the Indians want to show they are a better program with him. Cronic is, by his own admission, "sweating bullets" over the game and "watching a lot of video." LaGrange will be the stiffest competition the Indians have faced this year. Perhaps he tends to overlook the fact that East Coweta is the toughest game of the year for LaGrange as well.

There are definitely concerns for East Coweta. Coach Cronic is concerned with some of his day to day injuries slowing his team a little. He wants to make sure his team understands their blocking assignments. The offensive line and defensive line for the Grangers are excellent. They have been pushing teams off the line all year. The offensive line is one of the things that make star running back, Bruce Thornton, so great. They open holes so wide the convoy of rigs from Smokey and the Bandit could drive through them. Bruce is fast, too. Real fast. If he is given the chance, he will rack up enough points to bury your team by the half. If the Indians are to prevail they must stop Bruce Thornton.

That isn't impossible. The Indian defense has looked very impressive of late. They swarm and swallow linemen for Friday evening snacks. The offensive line opens holes for quarterback Dantra Clements and running back Marvin Smith that are comparable to LaGrange's line. The difference though is Dantra finds them when they are not there. He will run across the field to find a path to the end zone. If he is ahead of you, you will never catch him.

Both teams are super. That's why they are both ranked in the top 10 of AAAA teams. They are big, strong, fast and smart. These teams want a championship so bad the butterflies in their stomachs have their teeth clenched. The road to the Georgia Dome starts at Garland-Shoemake Stadium Friday night. They don't call it Rock-tober for nothing.


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