Riding consecutive wins, Elizabethton's second half of the regular season is going as planned.
With two conference games and a bye week ahead, the Cyclones (5-3) look for improvement as they work to wrap up a postseason bid and build its momentum.
The next step is a visit to Mountain City and a battle with always-tough Johnson County tonight.
The Longhorns, in spite of an 0-7 record, are always a challenge on their home field and with the predicted elements of weather affecting the field, the Cyclones have to be on top of their game.
"Things are going good for us right now, but we've got to continue to improve," said Elizabethton head coach Shawn Witten. "Another challenge for us this week in Johnson County. It's always a tough place to play. Even though they're not having a very good season, we know it's going to be a great challenge for us.
"There might be some weather conditions, cold and rainy, with the field being wet. It's a conference game, so there's still a lot left to play for."
Johnson County has had a tough go of it this season, particularly in its last four games -- where it has been outscored 175-41 by opponents including Sullivan East, Hampton, Sullivan North and Wise Central (Va.).
Last week, the Longhorns fell behind 42-0 as its running game was stalled against the Central Warriors. But the squad made some late plays in the passing game behind quarterbacks Warren Kerley and Lucas Henson.
Johnson County has shown potential on the field in spite of their youth, according to Witten, who said his team must play its game to avoid an upset bid.
"There's been some moments on film that they've really shown some good plays," said Witten. "They just haven't put a complete game together yet. They've got a lot young kids there's a lot of room for improvement for them and they're looking to get something started for their offseason here.
"Nothing would be better for them than to upset us and knock us out. I think our focus has to be on us, getting better and just winning."
Elizabethton showed its capability of putting a complete game together last week in a 52-0 homecoming whipping of Unicoi County -- one of this team's best games, top to bottom, to date.
"It's like the Al Davis quote, 'Just win baby,'" Witten said. "I thought that last week we had a great balance of attack in all phases. We've got to keep things balanced heading towards the postseason."
The Cyclones struck from the air with McKenly Berry hitting Wes Montgomery for two lengthy touchdown strikes and adding a third end-zone toss to Drew Holsclaw.
Terrence Turner led the ground game with a pair of touchdown runs on a 165-yard night, which gives him 1,199 yards and nine scores on the season.
All-in-all, the squad accounted for 440 yards of total offense while keeping the Blue Devils off the scoreboard defensively.
A similar effort against Johnson County would be ideal for Elizabethton with its open week and a date against Sullivan East winding out the schedule.
"It's a big game for us to win heading into the open week where we can get some rest and get ready to make a drive into the playoffs," Witten added. "Hopefully, we can do some things there. You know Coach (Mike) Atwood is going to get those guys ready to play. It's always a physical challenge. There's nothing they would like more than to spoil what we've got going."
Tonight's game kicks off at 7:30 at McEwen Stadium.
