Separated by 14 miles, the C.E. Murray and Kingstree football teams represent the truest form of a rivalry.
Last year, C.E. Murray failed to put up a fight against Kingstree and fell to the Jaguars 48-20. This year, C.E. Murray’s head football coach is looking for a change in guard.
“I look for our team to be a lot more physical and a lot more in tune to what our game plane is,” Smith said. “Look for a much more exciting game than last year.”
While Smith is optimistic that his guys can pick up the win in his second year as head coach, he knows what they are up against.
“Kingstree has a lot more depth than we do, and they also have more guys that have more weight than we do,” he said. “Other than that there isn’t anything that they do better than us.”
Smith acknowledges linebacker Anthony Chandler as a player his guys will have to key in on.
“He is a very smart football player,” he said. “He is a player that any coach would love to have on their team.”
While Smith’s offense came alive late last year, he is looking for his whole team to step up. The War Eagles gave up an average of 44.3 points a game last year.
“I look to see improved tackling as well as giving 100 percent on every play, whether it is special team, defense or offense,” he said. “Our offensive line also needs to do a great job against Kingstree, and our seniors need to lead on the field.”
The game starts 7:30 p.m. Friday.
“It’s going to be a fun game; like any rivalry game the county gets into it,” Smith said. “Kingstree did a good job against us last year. Hopefully we can restore order in the county and come out with a victory.”
