Preview: Tatum vs. Dora/Elida
Tatum is set to face off against Dora/Elida in a playoff match this Friday at 7:00 PM. It should turn out to be a fierce showdown as Tatum is ranked 5th in the MaxPreps state rankings and Dora/Elida is ranked 5th.
Tatum has netted another blowout to add to its collection (now totaling five) after its most recent game. Everything went its way against Mescalero Apache two weeks ago as it secured a 56 - 0 win. At 56 points, that marked Tatum's largest margin of victory so far this year.
Meanwhile, a win looked likely for Dora/Elida given its edge in the MaxPreps state rankings, but it did even better than expected last week. It put the hurt on Pine Hill last week with a conclusive 64 - 0 victory. Senior Kaull Burton continued his outstanding stretch of play as he rushed for 173 yards in the win, marking his 6th consecutive game with over 100 yards rushing. The longest touchdown for Burton was a punishing, defense-defying 60-yard dash in the first quarter. Burton has also now scored at least one touchdown in the past three consecutive games. Additional support came from junior Levi Kline, a defensive powerhouse who racked up 18 tackles.
Their wins bumped Tatum and Dora/Elida up to an identical 6-3. Both Tatum and Dora/Elida are bound to feel confident after their prior matchups, but one team's ego will take a hit. We'll find out which one when the teams meet up this week.
Playoff bracket for these teams
