Tigers look to remain undefeated with road game Thursday at Talihina

The Central Tigers won the biggest game of the season to this point Friday night, beating Gore in a battle of unbeaten teams at Tiger Stadium.

Some might be concerned the Tigers (7-0 overall, 4-0 in District A-8 play) might be have a bit of a lull when they visit the Talihina Golden Tigers (4-3, 2-2) for another district contest at 7 p.m. Thursday at Doc Robinson Stadium — a.k.a., “The Pit.”

“We’re definitely battle-tested,” Central coach Jeremy Thompson said. “Teams like Heavener, Warner and Roland right off the bat gave us great football games. We played well in all three of those (games). Then, we had Pocola, which was a big game. We then went to Porter, We have a veteran group that’s been there before.”

It’s also a short week with the Talihina game being played Thursday night.

“Not having that Thursday practice, you make sure you’ve dotted your Is and crossed your Ts,” Thompson said. “You have to be ready to go on Wednesday. You have to be prepared at this point of the season. Earlier in the season is when you feel better about playing earlier (in the week, like on a Thursday night) because you don’t have all your stuff in. Now, we know what we’re doing. I think it’s just being mentally ready to play.”

The Golden Tigers did not play varsity football last year due to lack of players, so this year’s team is full of underclassmen — but talented underclassmen.

“I have kept up with them this year and what they’re doing,” Thompson said. “They’re having a good season, especially not having a program last year. (Talihina) coach (Kelly) Gravitt does a great job. He’s an awesome football coach. He’s got them playing very well. I know they’re pretty young, but they’re still pretty good. They’re looking for a playoff spot. They’re fighting to get into the playoffs. This is a big game for them.”

Thompson said that as Talihina’s quarterback goes, so go the Golden Tigers.

“They’re going to really do some things offensively,” he said. “They do things right. They’re balanced on the offensive side. Their quarterback throws the ball well, and he’s a good runner. They have good receivers. I’ve noticed every week they limit their mistakes on the offense side. They’re just continuing to get better, so we absolutely can’t take them lightly. We have to be ready on both sides of the ball — I know they will.”

Thompson said as long as the Tigers play their style of football, they will stay the best chance of winning Thursday night.

“We have to continue to do what we do — control the clock with the football, don’t turn the ball over, go play good defense,” he said. “Our special teams continue to get better. We’ve had some big plays on special teams. That’s the third phase of the game. We have to continue to be good. We just have to continue to improve. Those are the keys to us winning week in, week out.”

• • • To Get There — Take U.S. 64 west to Sallisaw. Take Interstate 40 west to U.S. 59. Take U.S. 59 south to Poteau. Take U.S. Bypass 59 south around the west side of Poteau to U.S. 271. Take U.S. 271 south to Talihina.