The Oxford Chargers will make their first appearance in Class 6A playoffs tonight against the Madison Central Jaguars. Oxford finished the regular season with a 33-13 win over Tupelo. Madison Central finished with a shortened 6-0 win over Greenville. We send our sincerest prayers and condolences to Greeneville’s Jeremiah Williams who was severely injured in last weeks game against Madison Central.

Players to Watch:

Madison Central QB Jimmy Holiday: Holiday has completed 53% of his passes on the year for 1,198 yards, but his true impact will come on the ground. Holiday has rushed for 921 yards on the season, and averages 93 yards per game on the ground. Holiday is the Jaguars biggest weapon on the offensive side of the football.

Oxford ATH JJ Pegues: Pegues is expected to return tonight after missing two weeks due to injury. Pegues brings a different element to the Oxford offense, and will be someone that Madison Central will have to locate every snap. Pegues has 294 yards receiving along with five touchdowns. Pegues also has 244 yards rushing along with nine touchdowns on the ground.

Madison Central RB Duke Arnold: Arnold will line up next to Holiday in the backfield, and he has quietly enjoyed a great season. Arnold has rushed for 809 yards on 5.5 yards per carry. Arnold has also scored nine times this year.

Oxford QB John Meagher: Meagher bounced back last week against Tupelo after a rough stretch turning the ball over. Meagher completed 17 of 22 passes for 195 yards and two touchdowns. Meagher also rushed for two scores in the 33-13 win. He will see a Madison Central defense that is only allowing 12.8 points per game this season tonight.

Madison Central WR Myles Hopson: Hopson is the number one target for quarterback Jimmy Holiday. Hopson has 453 yards on the season to go with eight touchdowns. Watch for Hopson over the top for big plays tonight.

Oxford RB KJ Wadley: Wadley found the end zone last week on a reception from John Meagher, but Wadley only rushed for 16 yards last week. For Oxford to beat Madison Central, Wadley will need to find some success on the ground against a stout Madison Central defense.

X Factor:

Oxford defensive line: This group is going to have a lot on their plate tonight with a potent Madison Central rushing attack. If the defensive line wins the line of scrimmage, then Oxford has a great chance tonight.

Prediction:

Madison Central averages 223 yards per game on the ground, and they are going to score some points tonight. The Jaguars will have a couple of long drives late in the fourth quarter to edge the Chargers. Madison Central wins with a score of 21-17.