Even after a 0-2 start in late August, Collins head football coach Eric Booth had no cause for real concern.
In fact, had two plays gone differently, Collins’ record would look something like 2-0.
Since Week 3, Booth and Company have bank rolled. Collins won its eighth straight contest last Friday night in a 17-14 comeback win over previously unbeaten Perry Central to claim the programs first Region 8-2A title. The Tigers dropped down from 3A to 2A in the offseason.
“Our first two games we lost were by five points,” said Booth. “We lost to Seminary by three and Jefferson Davis County by two. I told our kids not to give up and keep fighting because we could have easily been 2-0.
“Our kids kept working word. Things are extremely different from last year to this year. My first year here we went 2-9. But now that our kids understand our system, things are obviously going a lot better.”
Collins win over Northeast Jones in Week 3, 26-3, began the string of good luck from hard work. One team was bound to come out a winner as both teams were starring at the possibility of a 0-3 start.
Booth says the turnaround wasn’t a surprise to him.
“Our guys are playing good on both sides of the ball,” said Booth. “We’ve played some difficult teams, like our game against Heidelberg [in Week 7]. We managed to get the ball back on a fumble at the 3-yard line late in the game. From there we drove down the field to kick the game-winning field goal.
“This past Friday night, we were down 14 points to Perry Central. At halftime, we made adjustments and scored 14 points in the second half to force overtime. Our kids kept fighting and won the game 17-14. Our kids just down give up. Every week they come out fighting to win.”
It’s paid dividends too. Collins has outscored its opponents 273-101 since the team’s 0-2 start.
The defense has been its key to success.
“I can’t say enough about our defense,” said Booth. “They have been playing good all year long. We have a great front line. My nose-tackle has about six or seven tackles per game and several sacks.
“Last year we were sluggish on defense, this year our guys have stepped up, and they’re making plays.”
The big difference on defense has come in the way Collin’s operates.
“One major difference from last year to this year is that our defensive players only play one side of the ball,” said Booth. “I have one set of players playing offense and another set playing on defense. We dressed out 55 kids this year, so that helps us be able to do that.”
Collins hopes to end the regular season on a nine-game win streak as the Tigers travel to St. Patrick (3-6) Friday night for its regular season finale. A win would also help Collins finish undefeated in Region 8-2A play.
“I told our kids that last Friday night’s win was big, but this Friday night’s game is even bigger,” Booth said. “We are going to go down there and try to come back with a win and seal the deal for the season. Then we will focus on the playoffs.”
Kickoff Friday night at St. Patrick is scheduled for 7 p.m.
