Ohatchee Learns Value of Perspective Preparing For Wellborn

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times" is one of the most famous quotes in literary history. While I doubt Charles Dickens had Ohatchee High School Football in mind when he penned "A Tale of Two Cities" in 1859, the irony comparing the first two games of last season and this season is hard to ignore.

Last week against Anniston turned into a tale of two halves, as the Indians rallied down 25 at the half, pulling within five points before bowing to the Bulldogs 32-27.

In their season-opener at Cleburne County, the Indians' defense were first-hand witnesses to a vastly improved Tigers team, falling 43-28. Last season Ohatchee (11-2 - lost in third round of playoffs) defeated both 4A teams by a combined 92-26 in starting 2-0. Despite the drastic difference in results, lessons learned by champions often feature some hard knocks.

Execution and talent do not the Indians lack; depth and fatigue start both those lines. Talking with Head Coach Scott Martin today, his message accentuating the positive out of their first two games shows how good a football team they are entering Class 3A Region 5 play.

Despite allowing 75 points in their first two games, their defense fell victim to great talent (Antonio Kite, Kyler McGrinn) executing rather than detailed mental and physical lapses. Standouts in the first two games include Junior Chris Ferguson and All-State Junior QB Eli Ennis (yes, he can play defense as well!).

The first to test the Indians mettle is the Walter Wellborn Panthers, who handed Ohatchee one of their two defeats in 2020. While waiting a year to exercise revenge on last season's 20-14 OT loss - the Indians' 3-13 record against the Panthers (before last seasons loss, Ohatchee defeated Wellborn 63-0 in winning both 2016-17 meetings after going 1-12-1 in their first 14 matchups) is another demon they can slay in their journey to become champions.