MALAKOFF TIGERS
Malakoff enjoys deep playoff run
Even Malakoff fans who ’ ve grown accustomed to following the team in the playoffs over the past few years , had to notice this team was a little bit different .
The Tigers ’ season , which began with a win over West Rusk on a hot summer night in August , came to a close with a 21-10 loss to Brock on Dec . 8 . In between were some tense moments as well as blow-outs where the Tigers took command early and stepped on the gas .
Eustace coach Kevin Chase , whose Bulldogs dwell in Malakoff ’ s district 8-3A Division 1 said a thing that sets the Tigers apart is their consistency .
“ They ’ ve been doing it for more than a decade and know what ’ s expected of them .” Driskell has been in charge for The Tigers ’ second game of the year was against the visiting Grandview Zebras , who came to Tigerland and beat Malakoff 21-17 . But this Malakoff team still had room to grow , as they would show in the ensuing weeks .
They had to grow up a bit in week three against Saledo .
The Eagles kept the Tiger offense at bay for most of the night and led 14-0 in the third quarter . Malakoff rallied back with two touchdowns to tie it at 14-14 and eventually send the game into overtime . After the first OT period with a touchdown each , double overtime started even at 21-21 .
The Tigers scored a touchdown plus two-point conversion , and snatched a 29-27 victory .
Once district play began , the Tigers were pounding opponents . Only Teague came within two touchdowns in a 32-18 decision . Malakoff shut out Kemp , Eustace and Groesbeck by a combined 188-0 .
The playoffs began with more of the same , a 62-0 win over Madison and a 55-14 mashing of Winnsboro .
The following week , on Nov . 25 , Malakoff met West and pulled away for a late win , 35-14 .
“ They were a really good team ,” Driskell said .
32 | Greater Athens Magazine | January 2023