Football Game Preview: Shelbyville Central Golden Eagles vs. Clarksville Wildcats

Two dominant backs in Robert Bailey and Ahvare Galbreath are getting ready to go toe-to-toe. The Shelbyville Central Golden Eagles will take on the Clarksville Wildcats at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday. Both come into the matchup bolstered by wins in their previous matches.

Last Friday, Shelbyville Central was able to grind out a solid victory over Summit, taking the game 24-17. The game marked the Golden Eagles' most dominant win of the season so far.

Meanwhile, Clarksville came tearing into Thursday's contest with four straight wins (a stretch where they outscored their opponents by an average of 35.8 points), and they left with even more momentum. They came out on top against the Stars by a score of 20-7.

Shelbyville Central better keep an eye on Kayden Pledger. He was instrumental in Clarksville's win, rushing for 35 yards and two TDs. Those two rushing touchdowns gave Pledger a new career-high.

Clarksville was unstoppable on the ground and finished the game with 263 rushing yards. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now rushed for at least 221 rushing yards in five consecutive matchups.

Clarksville didn't go easy on the quarterback and picked off three passes before the game was over. It was truly a group effort as Max Cunningham, Jamarcus Watkins, and Karter Pledger picked up one apiece. Cunningham got in on the action too, converting a pick into a touchdown.

The victory got Shelbyville Central back to even at 3-3. As for Clarksville, their win bumped their record up to 5-2.

Thursday's game might be decided on the ground. Shelbyville Central has been unstoppable on the ground this season, having averaged 263.2 rushing yards per game. However, it's not like Clarksville struggles in that department as they've been averaging 232.6 rushing yards. There's a good chance Thursday's contest turns into a tough fight on the ground. Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more football content.