by Fulton Hampton
Polk came into their game against Thomas Jefferson Friday, Oct. 12 not knowing quite what to expect.
Thomas Jefferson had won only one game in the previous three years but was a much improved team with overall record  of 6-2. They were also known for passing the ball well and pass defense has not been Polk’s strongest suite this year. But Polk came out strong offensively and by the end of the first quarter the game was never in question, Polk eventually won 44-21.
In the post-game interview Head Coach Bruce Ollis was pleased with the early focus of the team.
“I was real proud of the way we played earlier, we kind of asserted ourselves on them early in the ballgame.” Scoring on their first possession, with a 1 yard sneak by Philpott set the tone. Then Tyler Jackson (11 carries for 88 yards) followed that up with two scores making it 22-0 in the first quarter. One of these was set up by an early interception by Jamal Tanner which provided good field position.
“We ran the ball well but we really threw the ball well and caught it well,” Ollis said. Anthony Carson (six catches for 106 yards) made two of the better catches we’ve had all year long. (Reese Schlabach also had a 32 yard touchdown catch for a score.) Even though they rushed the ball on us pretty well, a lot of it was between the 20s and we keep them out of the end zone.”
The score was 37-0 with 5:06 left in the third quarter with all of the Gryphons scoring coming after Polk began substituting players. “We (also) pitched a shutout for most of the ballgame,” Ollis said.  “(But) Another great thing a lot of players got to play tonight. It’s a great team effort, it puts us 7-2, 4-1 in the conference and still in the hunt. Next week the Warhorses (Owens 4-5, 2-2 WHC) come to town, they are always a formidable opponent.
This win continues the streak and plan set forth by the Wolverines after an early season conference loss. Ollis told his players; the goal was to go “1-0 for the next five weeks” and if that took place Polk should be playing for the conference championship in their final game of the regular season.  However, the Wolverines will not be looking past Owen.  Over the years Polk vs. Owen has been the “spoiler” for each in the championship chase.
The game starts at 7:30 p.m. with Senior Night activities, which honor not only football players, but the cheerleaders and band members prior to the game.