Article about Hurley's playoff hopes...

[Lance 228]

Hurley playoff hopes rest on Haysi

 

By LLOYD COMBS

Bluefield Daily Telegraph

 

HAYSI, Va. — Hurley has one shot at the playoffs, beat Haysi and open up the Black Diamond District title chase.

 

Haysi (6-1, 2-0) needs one win to secure both, the BDD crown and a guaranteed Region D, Division 1 playoff berth.

 

That's what's on the line tonight as the Tigers host the Rebels (5-2, 0-0) in BDD play tonight at Sandlick Elementary School.

 

Among the other games on tap in this part of southwest Virginia, Grundy hosts Carroll County in Southwest District action, while Big Creek visits interstate foe Twin Valley. Honaker is among the teams with an open date this weekend.

 

At Sandlick, Haysi can finish 3-0 in BDD play and win its first district title in two years by beating Hurley. The Rebels haven't beaten Haysi or Honaker in over a decade, but, at 5-2, Hurley has a chance to give the Tigers a better game this year.

 

Behind the running of Gary Blankenship and Chris Waters and a solid offensive line, Hurley has averaged 35 points per game.

 

The Rebels have also improved on defense.

 

"They have a good football team," Colley says. "We saw them early in the year and I was impressed with the way they come off the ball.

 

"They have some really good backs, they're fast, they run hard. Their quarterback throws the ball well. We have to be ready to play Friday night. Greg Tester does a good job."

 

Haysi has been on a roll on offense, scoring more than 39 points a contest, including more than 47 points an outing in its five games since an Aug. 29 loss to Clintwood.

 

The Tigers have several outstanding receivers and running backs, but the central focus of the offense is junior quarterback Chris Fleming, a big play threat throwing and running the football.

 

"Haysi will make some big plays, that's their game," Hurley coach Greg Tester said. "We just need to limit them as much as possible.

 

"They have a good quarterback (in Fleming), one of the best around, they have good receivers. They're solid all the way around."

 

Health could be a factor for Hurley. Blankenship is playing hurt and the Rebels lost Robbie Rife, possibly for the season, the previous week.

 

Hurley lost center Tyson Stacy to injury in last week's 20-14 win over Williamson.

 

"We're pretty banged up," Tester said. "I hate going into three district games with so many guys hurt. We'll have to play it by ear with Gary Blankenship. He'll play, but I don't expect him to be 100 percent.

 

"I'm not sure about Tyson Stacy's status. Without him we only have six linemen now. The main thing though, these kids (have) found a way to win.

 

“That's what these kids are starting to do, finding a way to win. They know what to do in situations."

 

 

LINK: http://www.bdtonline.com/localsports/local_story_290213436.html