MADISON, Fla. (WTXL) — The Madison County Cowboys, three-time defending state 1A champions and perennial powerhouse, will hit the field Friday night for a showdown with Hawthorne in the state semi-finals.
Playing this late in the season is no new challenge for the Cowboys. It would be more surprising not to see Madison County playing football in December.
It's that late-season experience the team will lean on to stamp their place in their third consecutive state title game.
While late-season success may be a routine for this program as of late, there was a time where it wasn’t always smooth sailing. Cherishing the opportunity to prepare for Friday's game is a primary focus in this week’s preparation.
“And I’m going to tell you something it never gets old," said Madison County head football coach Mike Coe. "I reminded those guys last week that in 2009 we got put out in the first round, and it was awful. It was bad. 2013 we didn’t make the playoffs at all, and so anytime you get to this point, man, it’s just blessings, it’s extra. You enjoy and savor every practice because you fall in love with these guys, they become like your own kids, and you just want to be around them as much as you can because when it’s over, it’s over.”
Madison County’s game at Hawthorne kicks off Friday at 7:30 p.m.
