11 in 11 Part 5: Corey Sacks

Senior Corey Sacks has played cornerback all four years that he has been an Ensworth Tiger, and now he is going to play wide receiver on the other side of the ball as well. Corey is very fast and has a knack for the ball when it's in the air. He is also back as a returner on kickoffs as well. Last year Corey had to sit out the first few games with a knee injury, but now he's all better and ready to go. The play of Corey Sacks will be very crucial for the Tigers since their schedule is one of the toughest in the state. On that schedule is MBA, one of the state's best passing offenses. Will Corey help slow down MBA's passing attack?

Corey, you have played cornerback every year so far at EHS. With Michael Dunn and Richard Bowers gone, you are going to be one of the main guys at wide receiver this year; do you like the position?

I like wide receiver because it gives me the opportunity to score. It's always exciting when you have a good quarterback throwing to you.

I understand you have been to some camps over the summer, have you received interest from any school yet?

I've been to TCU, Tennessee, and Louisville. I've had some interest from MTSU.

How good do you think our receiving corps and our secondary is this year compared to last year's?

We have a very good receiving corps this year with Jacob and me catching the passes from Cody. He has good enough faith in us to where if he throws it, he knows one of us is going to come up with the ball. Our secondary this year is very fast, and we will make a lot of plays this year. We are all upperclassmen and leaders on the field.

What was going through your mind when you scored the touchdown against Oakland to send the game to overtime?

When I caught the screen pass from Cody I was determined to score a touchdown; my adrenaline was pumping so it made me run a little faster. It was late in the 4th quarter and it was time to make a play. The whole team executed perfectly, and I had great blocking.

What will EHS have to do to beat MBA? What will be the deciding factor?

To win against MBA this Friday, it will come to which team is better conditioned and more physical in the 4th quarter.

Do you feel that this team can go farther than last year's?

This team has a great chance of winning the state championship, but so does every other team we play. We have to play every game like its our last if we have any shot of making to the championship.
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Ensworth VS. MBA Preview

It's almost here, the game that everybody has been waiting for since last year's game ended with the score 41-28 EHS. Last year's game was a seesaw battle for momentum after the Tigers got off to a 21-0 start that later dissolved into a 28-27 deficit. Then after, MBA had every bit of momentum, Tavarres Jefferson took it all away with two remarkable touchdown runs that put the Tigers up for good.

Last year's win was the first victory over MBA in Ensworth's second year of competition in Division 2-AA.

Build Up

Last year's matchup was probably one of the most hyped high school football games in Nashville in years. I remember sitting in class days before the game looking out the window and watching the TV truck setting up and bleachers being moved to the end zones. As Friday came closer the talk got louder. One hour before the game all the students from both schools gathered and participated in pre-game rituals that got a bit out of hand: afterwards two MBA students were brought in front of their honor council. During the game the students did not get out of hand since the two sections were roped off to keep the students separated and out of trouble.

DOUBLE O-D

Last year running back Orleans Darkwa had touchdowns from 99 and 80 yards out. The game was probably Darkwa's best ever as an Ensworth Tiger. He will be probably the biggest factor for both teams Friday night.

How to Win

1. Run

2. Run

3. And Run some more! Seriously, though, the running game is crucial to both teams. The ability to get the offensive push from the offensive line will be key in this game. I think Ensworth has the edge on this one with Darkwa getting the touches behind a great offensive line but MBA's senior running back Fitz Lassing ran over Maplewood last week with 145 yards and 2 touchdowns.

4. Momentum- I don't think I need to tell Ensworth or MBA students, fans, or players that this is an emotional game. Neither team can hang their head because both teams are talented enough and so well coached you will get run over physically and on the scoreboard if you are caught out of place or not giving 100%. Just ask Maplewood or Oakland.

5. 4th quarter- This is most likely going to be a full 48 minute game. The team that runs and hits with the same intensity in the 1st quarter as they do in the 4th quarter will have a huge advantage.

Key Players-Ensworth

Both of these teams are loaded with talent. Most people know to keep an eye on Orleans Darkwa, who rushed for almost 2,000 yards last year, but everyone now is watching junior two-way lineman 6'6" 330lb Antonio Richardson. Richardson can take over a game on his own by getting in the backfield every play, and he is considered the best prospect in Tennessee for the class of 2011. Also keep an eye on Clemson commit Sam Cooper, who can be a terror at defensive end but can also catch passes at tight end.

MBA

Luke Colbert has put together two good games so far this year. The game relies much on Colbert's ability to step outside the pocket and find an open William Tanner or Holden Mobely. Fitz Lassing on the offensive end put up big numbers last week against Maplewood as mentioned earlier, but also keep an eye on linebacker prospect Brad Bars who put up great numbers up against Pearl-Cohn.

My Take

This game is going to come down to physicality and overall strength, which should favor Ensworth over MBA. However, I would have said that about the MBA vs Maplewood game last week, and that speaks to MBA's great coaching staff. I think this one will be decided in the 4th quarter, and with Ensworth's downhill crash and bang style of play on both sides of the ball, I have to give it to them. 42-30 EHS.
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