By Mark Schmerling

 

With nine new varsity offensive starters and six new starters on defense, Polk County head football coach Jamie Thompson admits the team “has a lot of inexperience.”

 

That said, the Wolverines do have lots of talent. Preventing costly mistakes could spell trouble for the visiting R-S Central Hilltoppers this evening in Columbus. Opening kickoff is set for 7:30.

 

Though R-S is 2-0 and Polk 1-1, the Wolverines have the basic talent to also be 2-0. Last season, Polk notched its first win of the season against the Hilltoppers, the first of a seven-game win streak.

 

Against North Henderson last week, the Wolverines were flagged for numerous infractions, one of which negated an apparent touchdown in the 20-14 loss.

 

“Coming off a loss, hopefully we can get focused,” Thompson said. “Sometimes, a loss can get you re-focused.”

 

To score more points than the visitors, the Wolverines will have to contain the efforts of R-S running back Tyrese Tate (#2) and quarterback Keith Lamont-Ervin (#3).

 

“They’re a good football team,” Thompson acknowledged.

 

While Polk’s younger players are gaining experience, “we’d like to be winning along the way,” he asserted. “That’s the plan.”