LONDON — Fresh off of a come from behind win over Harlan County, Jason Chappell’s North Laurel Jaguars enter Friday’s game against Wayne County in great spirits.
The win over the Black Bears secured a home playoff game for Chappell’s Jaguars, who are also looking to finish regular season play with a 6-4 mark.
“We didn’t feel like it was a comeback,” Chappell said of last week’s win. “They just got the ball first. Then they kept it for a long time. When we had the ball, we were as efficient as we have been in the last two seasons. We had five possession, and we scored on four of those and ended up taking a knee during the fifth possession at the end of the game.
“Our kids did not quit, kept playing hard and found ways to win the game,” he added. “Our hats go off to the kids at Harlan County and their staff. They had a great plan, executed it to perfection and fought like crazy to win on senior night. They did a great job. I was, however, very proud that our kids continued to play for 48 minutes.”
Chappell said the priority heading into the Harlan County game was to win and nail down the No. 2 seed in the district.
“We had an opportunity to host a playoff game and we needed to make sure we seized that opportunity,” he said. “We did not play the way I expected us to in some areas. Our kids fought hard and executed really well on offense and found a way to post a postseason game in the jungle.
“I thought we were very business-like after the game,” he added. “We understood that we didn’t play our best, but were also happy to win. They will be ready to get back to work.”
Chappell said his team needs to continue to build off the things they’ve been doing well as of late when they kick things off against Wayne County.
“We are 3-1 in our last four games and need to continue that momentum into the postseason,” he said.
“Wayne County is a good football team,” he added. “Offensively, they have several playmakers that can hurt you on the ground and through the air. Defensively, they play a very aggressive style and force you to make plays quickly. They are very well coached and have some outstanding personnel. We will need to play very well this week.”
