Festus Travels to North County for MAFC-Red Showdown

(Bonne Terre) Jefferson County Friday Night Football returns to KJFF tomorrow night as the Festus Tigers travel to Bonne Terre for a MAFC Red Divison matchup with the North County Raiders. Both teams are jostling for position in the conference, as the Tigers and the Raiders are both 2-1 with a loss to the Hillsboro Hawks. These teams met twice last year, Festus won 39-35 in the first game and 24-6 in the district championship game. But this is a whole new year and North County is looking to avenge both those losses. North County Head Coach Brian Jones says tomorrow night has major implications for the rest of the year.

The backfield duo of Jobe Smith and Nolan Reed for the Raiders are responsible for 23 of the team’s 27 touchdowns and combined for nearly 1,000 yards rushing on the season. Smith effects the game in all three phases, not only is the former Athlete of the Week a threat on offense and defense, he is equally as dangerous on special teams, with 395 yards and 2 touchdowns on his 11 returns. Festus Head Coach AJ Ofodile says it’s going to be a tough task to slow down the Raiders.

The Festus Tigers have their own weapons on offense though, Cole Rickermann has over 1300 yards, 13 touchdowns, and a QBR of 160. The reason? A plethora of skilled receivers on the outside. The Tigers have the ability to spread the football around to their skill positions, Arhmad Branch leads the way with 18 receptions for 584 yards and 5 touchdowns, but also have 3 other receivers with at least 11 receptions, 150 yards, and a touchdown. Coach Ofodile tells us more about the versatility of his wide-outs

The Tigers like to pass but that doesn’t mean they can’t run. As the 6’3, 250lb Baylor Commit Kaian Roberts-Day leads the team with 7 rushing touchdowns and 10 yards per carry on 25 attempts. This team has a lot of weapons that can cause problems for the Raider defense. Coach Jones says they have to limit the big plays.

We have a fun one scheduled for Jefferson County Friday Night Football as North County takes on Festus. Coverage starts at 6 o’clock leading to kickoff at 7 on AM 1400 KJFF.

Full Interview with AJ Ofodile