By Staff
RED BAY – For the first time since the sixth week of the 2007 season the Red Bay football team will take the field tonight as an unranked squad.
The last time the Tigers were missing in the polls, they were 5-0. This time, they are 4-3.
Though the loss to Tanner last week likely ended any hope of another region title, Red Bay is still in position to finish second in the region and play at home during the first round of the playoffs.
If the Tigers can win their final two region games, they will secure the region's second seed. That quest begins tonight at Clements.
They face a Colts team that is also battling for a playoff berth. Clements is currently in a three-way tie for third in the region.
The Colts are experienced at late-season playoff pushes. Facing elimination every game, they won their final four region games last season to secure the fourth seed in Class 3A, Region 8.
Many of the players from that team have returned this season and players capable of changing the game on a single play have replaced the ones who have left.
Quarterback Jamison Bridges and running back Brandon Sanderfer pose the biggest threats to the Tigers.
Bridges helped the Colts' playoff rally last season and Sanderfer has been the go-to back in Clements' ground game, picking up multiple 100-yard games this season.
Red Bay will have to play sharp to stay in the game. Many of the Tigers were bruised and battered after the Tanner game, leaving Red Bay thin throughout the lineup.
If the Tigers win tonight and Tanner beats Cherokee, Red Bay will clinch a playoff spot.
If Lexington also beats Westminster Christian Academy tonight, the Tigers and Golden Bears would play for the region's second seed next week.
If the Tigers lose tonight and Lexington wins then Red Bay, Lexington and Clements would all be tied for the second seed.