Midland to face Strong for 8-man championship

The Midland Mustangs are in unfamiliar territory.

Midland (11-0) will face off against undefeated Strong-Huttig for the 8-man state football championship Thursday night at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.

Midland advanced to the state-title game with playoff wins over Marvell-Elaine 60-14 and Brinkley 48-8.

Strong beat South Side Bee Branch 52-6 in the first round and Cedar Ridge 48-6 in the semifinals.

Midland, which went 1-7 a year ago, is averaging 49 points per game while giving up only 17 points per game.

Strong is averaging 45 points per game while giving up only 7 points per game.

Midland coach TJ Pugh said he gave his team off from practice on Monday and Thursday since the semifinals were played Nov.

22.

We practiced Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, he said.

I thought practices went well.

We were able to get on a turf field at Lyon College.

The first day was a little cold and wet.

It was just trying to get used to that.

Friday, we had a really good practice.

I think the newness of the turf situation was part of it.

But we had a good week of practice.

Pugh said this will be a busy week leading up to the title game.

Were just trying to get some practices in late, he said.

We will go down to War Memorial at some point.

I hope its Tuesday.

I have a meeting Monday.

Then well go back there on Thursday for the game.

The kids are excited.

Were preparing.

Its going to be a challenge.

Pugh said Strong is a solid team.

They have some speed and some size in some spots, he said.

But their athleticism and their speed is probably what everybody talks about.

Its not just one athlete, one player.

Theyve got multiple ones that can go.

Were just trying to keep them contained the best we can.

Pugh said his team needs to be productive offensively.

They are solid defensively ...

theyve given up very few points, Pugh said.

They are the lowest in allowed, and weve scored the highest.

Somethings kinda got to give there.

Their offensive production is high too.

Hopefully, its going to be a good game.

I know our kids are going to play hard.

Thats what theyve done all year.

I dont expect anything different.

Strong coach Jason Porter said he expects a tough game.

Its a story for both schools, Porter said.

Weve got a little tradition going on down here.

Its a good opportunity for both of us to get together and have a good championship game.

Were looking forward to it.

Porter said his team must keep doing what it has done all year, it will bode well for his team.

As far as not turning the ball over and making a lot of mistakes, I feel pretty good about our chances, he said.

Were going to have to get some stops because Midlands offense has been doing real well.

They grind it out.

Weve just going to have to make sure we play sound football and go from there..

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