Gridiron struggles continue as the playoffs loom ahead

Standing in the misty rain falling in Jackson on Friday night, the mind couldn't help but wonder how fast the Trojan football program has seemingly gone from the penthouse to the basement.

Traditionally at this time every year, the crowds begin to get larger and the atmosphere is one most want to be a part of.

Yes, in the past winning football games at Dyersburg has been something fans of the program are accustomed to. In case anyone hasn't been paying attention, those days appear to be over.

Losing brings out the worst in everybody. Regardless of which sport it is, nobody involved in sports likes losing, especially when a program has grown so used to having success.

During the game against North Side, the earpiece was tuned into the Dyer County game. As the Choctaws were getting bounced around by Trezevant, the thought was at least Dyer County has a couple of good excuses for the way the season was playing out kept running through my mind.

A roster of younger players was one reason, and a boatload of injuries was another. Moving up in classification certainly didn't help the Orange and White either.

At Dyersburg however, there shouldn't be any excuses for what has transpired over the last four or five weeks. Not saying anyone is making any, but what has happened since the third game of the season?

Seriously, a team that was averaging nearly 40 points a contest after three games, has for all intents and purposes, gone flat.

Though not trying to coach from the computer, what I can do is share a couple of observations.

Against the Indians, Tyler Lyons had Dyersburg's biggest gain of the night (56-yard run) early in the contest. The second time Lyons touched the ball, a 9-yard gain resulted in a first down. The senior touched the ball one more time the entire game.

The musical chairs that seems to be going on with the quarterbacks. What's up with that? Enough said.

A solid-sized offensive line that seems to have forgotten that the major purpose to being on the field is to block. This group, prior to the start of the season, was being hailed as the best to line up in years for the Black and Gold. Sadly, the group hasn't risen to the challenge in the second half of the season and the lack of scoring seems to prove it.

Defensively, there sure seems to be a lack of focus on how to tackle. A freshman quarterback named Adam Craig did the most damage on Friday night. Not to take anything away from Craig, but come on fellas, a freshman ripping up over 330 total yards?

The above mentioned are just a few of the things needing to be addressed before the playoffs.

Yes, believe it or not Dyersburg will make the playoffs. With one game left on the schedule, against Haywood County, the Trojans may even be able to drop the season finale and still get in.

Yes, the start of the postseason means every team is 0-0, but by the way things are looking as of today, the run will be short-lived.

Can Dyersburg correct the mistakes, open up the playbook and return what was an explosive offense in time for the playoffs? Only time will tell, but time is something the Black and Gold don't have a lot left of.

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On a much brighter note, how 'bout those Lady Trojans? The volleyball team made history earlier in the week. By dominating Fairley in the sectional contest at DHS, the squad secured the first state tournament berth in the history of the program.

On Wednesday afternoon at MTSU in Murfreesboro, the team will open the tourney against Chattanooga Christian. Though not knowing anything about Dyersburg's opponent, what is known is the local squad has earned the right to be where they are.

It feels weird heading to Murfreesboro in October, but hopefully the experience will be one the team will never forget and ends with the squad hoisting the state championship hardware. If so, rest assured we'll be there to see it as well.

For those unable to attend the state tourney, be sure to check our Web site at www.stategazette.com for up-to-the-minute details on the squad's progress in Murfreesboro. In addition, text alerts will be sent at the conclusion of the matches.

Your comments are welcome at msmith@ stategazette.com