by Fulton Hampton
The Polk County High School Wolverines open their conference schedule against a formidable opponent in Madison tonight, Sept. 14.
“They are probably the most improved team in the WHC and possibly western North Carolina,” Coach Bruce Ollis said. “They are 4-0 with seven starters back on offense and six on defense and they are playing with a lot of confidence. It will be a big challenge for us; they are big and strong and run the ball right at you, with a power running game. They run the ball four to one [versus passing], but they have been successful throwing it as well. They have some speed on the edge… they try to hit the home run.”
Unfortunately for the Wolverines, Floyd Graber, a captain and two-way starter, will not be available and is out for the season. As feared, Graber tore his ACL during the Landrum game.
Ollis said, “It’s a big blow to our football team and him personally. It’s like losing two people with him starting both ways. (But) Floyd will continue to provide emotional support for the team.”
Another area of support for the team has been the emergence of the Blue Crew, a student-run spirit group led by Ben Stockdale.
“I’ve been around Polk County football going on 11 years and that was the most school spirit ever displayed at any game,” Ollis said about the impact of the Blue Crew at the Landrum game last week. “We would love to take a big crowd up to Marshall. We are kind of using this as the ‘Race for the Chase’ to the 2012 Western Highlands Conference championship. [It] begins this Friday in Marshall!”