SATURDAY NIGHT PREVIEW: Jacksboro vs. Oneida

When: Saturday

Where: Campbell County High School; L. Hope Dossett Stadium

Kickoff: 6 p.m.

Records: Oneida Middle School (9-0) vs. Jacksboro Middle School (8-1)

Previous meeting: In their last meeting during the regular season, Oneida took the victory in the battle of the unbeatens. The Indians dealt Jacksboro its first and only loss of the 2012 year, defeating the Eagles 34-6 in Oneida.

Last time: During their regular season meeting, the Indians used their potent Single-Wing offense to run past the Eagles. During the first half, Oneida averaged 9.2 yards per carry, while gaining 304 yards on 33 carries. That also resulted in four touchdowns and two extra-point conversions. The Indians managed 400 yards of rushing, while using 10 different rushers.

Last week, Jacksboro’s defense stood strong against a late Owl rally to take the second round playoff game, 6-0. Against Oneida, the Eagles stood tall during the second half after some changes in the locker room. On 23 carries, the Indians only managed 96 yards (4.2 yards per carry) and weren’t able to score.

Keep an eye on: One big factor will be the Jacksboro defense. Jared Ray has led the defense well this entire season, and he will look to finish out the year in a big way. Oneida’s Nash Lay, Malaki Ellis, Jake Lawson and Logan Marlow will be their major targets as the four managed 273 on 31 carries. The four are the major runners out of the backfield.

Another big concern will be the productivity of Jacksboro’s offense. Against Oneida, the Eagles only managed six points. Against the much-improved Owls, again they only managed six points. However, if the defense can get the momentum early, look for that to be an advantage for the Eagles. Shane Bowman has been stellar at quarterback and will look to repeat his performance this weekend. Against the Owls, Bowman was 11-of-28 for 87 yards and a touchdown. There were four drops in the contest. He also rushed six times for 11 yards.