DEACONS embrace underdog role in Region D battle against Burton

St. Paul coach Mark Palmer knows his Deacons are the underdog.

Moreover, Palmer’s fully aware that if you look at records and statistics and crunch numbers, the Deacons’ season appears as if it will come to an end when St. Paul travels to J.I. Burton to face the Raiders at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday in a Region D, Division 1 first-round playoff game.

But that’s not stopping the Deacons (8-2) from showing up. And it’s definitely not preventing Palmer from thinking St. Paul has more than a fighting chance to keep its season alive.

"The kids know this is a daunting task, but they’ve accepted the challenge," Palmer said. "It’s an honor for us to be in the playoffs. But we definitely feel like we’ve earned it. We’re going up there to play our best game of the year and make a good showing for our fans."

The Deacons will rely on running back Josh Brooks.

Brooks is a touchdown machine, having found the end zone an eye-bulging 31 times this season.

"He’s had a marvelous year," Palmer said. "We have to make sure that we get him involved early, both running the ball and catching it. He makes us go. He gets us moving."

Brooks’ success has been aided by a St. Paul offensive line that boasts five seniors.

"They love blocking and opening holes for [Brooks]," Palmer said. "They take pride in it."

According to Palmer, the game against J.I Burton (9-1) is more than just another playoff game. For St. Paul, the contest is a statement.

The Deacons have now made the playoffs twice during Palmer’s five-year reign, but it’s only the seventh time total in the school’s history.

"Making the playoffs isn’t exactly something we’re used to here," Palmer said. "So we’re excited to be here. But we also want to show everybody what our program has accomplished."

Elsewhere in the region, Appalachia (6-4) travels to Clintwood (6-4) for a 1:30 p.m. matchup on Saturday.

The two teams faced off last week, with the Green Wave posting a 37-0 shutout.

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