Preview by Chrissy Voltoline
Contributing Writer
Twitter – @chrissyvolt
Chiefland is in the playoffs for the first time since 2004. Head coach Adam Gore: “I’m happy for the kids. We’ve always had the kids here to compete on this level. They just needed to believe in themselves and commit to the work required to get here. They’ve done that and here they are. They make me proud and the community proud for their efforts.”
Chiefland Indians
Coach: Adam Gore
Record: 9-1
Key Players: Ty Corbin (Jr., QB), Hunter Barrand (Sr., RB), Kirk Williams (Sr., WR/CB), Jarret Jerrels (Jr., MLB/RB), Payne Parnell (Sr., WR), Dede Shepherd (Sr., RB/DB), Wyatt Hammond (Sr., DE/RB), Elijah Smith (Sr., C/G), Trent White (So., QB)
Outlook: The Indians are cruising into the Class 1A Regional Semifinals on Friday night following a 31-14 win over Williston in their regular season finale two weeks ago, improving their nearly-perfect record to 9-1. Against the Red Devils, Chiefland put together a total of 427-yards, the highest of their season. Senior Kirk Williams owned 103 of those yards, bringing his personal total yards on the season to 858. Last week, Chiefland had a bye thanks to its No. 2 seeding in Region 3. The Indians will now take on their rival, the Dixie County Bears, a team Coach Gore says he highly respects. “We have a lot of respect for Dixie County. Historically it has been a one-sided rivalry. Heavy in their favor. We are excited to be at the level to play against them in the playoffs. They definitely have more playoff experience than us but we are excited about the challenge,” said Gore. The winner of tonight’s match will go on to the Class 1A Region Final and face the winner of Madison County vs. Lafayette (Mayo).
Dixie County (Cross City) Bears
Coach: Eric Robinson
Record: 8-3
Key Players: Sam Cannon (So., QB/DB), Fitzgerald Warren (Jr., ILB), Derrick Charboneau (Sr., RB/DB), CJ Reed (Sr., WR), Carols Williams, Jr. (Sr., SS/RB), Ricky Jones (Sr., RB/DB), Eli Bray (Sr., DE/NG/G), Carlos Contreas (Jr., DL/OL), Jay Storey (Sr., OL/DT)
Outlook: The Bears are prepared to take on the Chiefland Indians tonight in the Class 1A Region Semifinals. The Bears are 5-1 against the Indians since 2013, but the Bears suffered that one loss this year during the regular season, 27-20. Moving forward, the Bears have plenty capability of taking back the rivalry with impressive players like #15 Fitzgerald Warren and #7 Carlos Williams Jr., who both have recorded over 1,000-yards rushing this season. Williams was previously injured but is expected to play in the big game tonight. “Chiefland is a very physical football team in the trenches,” said Dixie County coach Eric Richeson. “We will have our hands full.” This will be a rivalry match you won’t want to miss that kicks off at 7:30 p.m. in Chiefland.
