HomeSportsLocalTigers on the prowl for playoff berthTigers on the prowl for playoff berthSat, July 31, 2021 by Brian HaleSHARE NOW Houston Powell’s first season at the helm of the Meek Tigers’ program didn’t begin in an ordinary fashion.Along with the normal jitters and growing pains that accompany a first-time head coach in their inaugural season, Powell had to contend with the effects of the Covid shutdown — with no practice or game in the spring and heavily constrained offseason activities.Powell and his coaching staff spent the first half of the 2020 season evaluating his players and getting an idea of the capabilities of his team, which showed a great deal of improvement as the year progressed.At the conclusion of the season, Powell noted a great deal of enthusiasm present for the 2021 season among his players — positive attitudes that have been present throughout the preseason.“We were able to start our weightroom program in November and I was able to see just how committed these guys were, and they haven’t stopped working hard. Their weightlifting numbers have sky-rocketed over the past couple of months. We were able to play a spring game this year where we left feeling pretty confident in the way we performed,” Powell said. “With us having a full summer this year, we’ve been able to go to some team camps with some bigger schools. Throughout it all, our guys have really grown as players and as young men.”There won’t be a shortage of experience taking the field in 2021 for Meek. Several starters return from last year’s squad return — whose skills were honed against tough competition.“When you take a look at what our region did in the playoffs, you get a sense of the quality of the teams we’re up against. All four of our regional playoff qualifiers went to the quarterfinal. Then you add in us playing Winston County and Sumiton Christian, which both went to the postseason and there weren’t any easy games,” Powell said.Powell has applauded the leadership of fullback Ethan Grace, quarterback David Tidwell, halfback Cam Deaver and rover Matthew Clark. The offensive line returns four starters, all of whom Powell reports as being “much stronger and more physical.”“We’ve been extremely impressed with Ethan — we challenged him both in the weightroom and with his leadership abilities and he’s responded well. He’s a great guy to coach,” Powell said. “David’s got a year under his belt running our system and did a great job at it. He’s improved many aspects of his game and he’s going to be a huge help for us.”Defensively, Powell and his staff have been pleased with free safety Justin Freeman, along with Jarrett Benson, Xavier Arias, Justin Bradley, Jacob Smith and transfer Blake Miller.Meek hosts Brilliant, Marion County and Berry in Class 1A, Region 6 play, while traveling to South Lamar, Hubbertville, Pickens County and Lynn. In non-region play, The Tigers host Cold Springs and Sumiton Christian, while traveling to Winston County.Meek Tigers 2021 Schedule8/20 7:00 PM Cold Springs High School8/27 7:00 PM at Winston County High School9/3 7:00 PM Brilliant High School9/10 7:00 PM at South Lamar High School9/17 6:00 PM at Hubbertville High School10/1 7:00 PM Marion County High School10/8 7:00 PM at Lynn High School10/15 7:00 PM at Pickens County High School10/22 7:00 PM Berry High School10/28 7:00 PM Sumiton Christian High School
