The 2021 Lockney Longhorns celebrate after winning the Floyd County Championship trophy. (Cervantes Photography/Used with Permission)
FLOYD COUNTY – There are 12 miles separating Floydada and Lockney, but this week it might as well be 1,200 miles as the Whirlwinds and Longhorns get ready to face off in their century-old rivalry game.
The Whirlwinds and Longhorns are both led by men in their second seasons with their respective programs, and both are approaching Friday night’s contest with similar attitudes of preparation. Both say the week leading up to the contest is the same, but when it comes to what Friday night means, Jonathan Thiebaud and J.R. Compton’s opinions differ.
“If you approach it as anything other than another game, the game gets too big,” Thiebaud said Tuesday before admitting the motivation is there to keep holding onto the Floyd County Championship Trophy. “We’re determined to keep the trophy here.”
Compton also spoke about the importance in remembering it is a single football game, but added that the trophy certainly helps in the motivation. “Any time you’re playing for a trophy, it adds a little luster on the game.”
Last year’s 24-0 victory by the Longhorns has not been forgotten by either side, especially as both saw differing outcomes in their season openers last week. Compton expects the Longhorns will be playing with intensity, while Thiebaud says the Whirlwinds Running Backs will keep his defense busy. “No matter what, it’s going to be a fast and physical ball game.”
While neither coach would outright make a prediction on the game, both did say at the end of the night they expect to hoist the trophy.
The Floyd County Championship kicks off at 7:00 p.m. Friday night at Charles Tyer Stadium.
