Coming off a two-win season, Meek could use a break heading into the 2011 football season.
The Tigers won’t get one.
Meek’s schedule includes six playoff teams from last year and a total of seven teams that finished with a winning record. If that wasn’t enough, four of the Tigers’ five road opponents advanced to the postseason last year.
During a brutal four-week stretch beginning in Week 2, Meek faces three teams that advanced to at least the state quarterfinals last season: Parrish (10-4 in 2010), Lynn (11-2), Berry (6-4) and Addison (10-3).
The foursome combined for a 37-13 record last season with Parrish advancing to the 1A state semifinals and both Lynn and Addison making the quarters.
Three more opponents — Marion County (8-4), Hubbertville (7-4) and Jacksonville Christian (7-4) — also made the playoffs in 2010.
Tharptown (2-8), Brilliant (2-8) and South Lamar (3-7) are Meek’s only opponents that finished with losing records last season. Meek went 2-1 against the trio last year and 0-7 against the remainder of the schedule.
Meek blasted Tharptown 50-6 in last year’s season opener at home.
Lance Archer, entering his second season as the Tigers’ head coach, guided the Tigers to two wins in 2010. Meek also came close to beating both Parrish (28-22) and Hubbertville (21-13). This season the Tigers open the season with three straight road games. Meek travels to Tharptown for the opener on Thursday, Aug. 25 before heading to Parrish and Lynn.
Meek hits the road just twice in its final seven games.
The Tigers play three consecutive home games beginning with the home opener against Berry in Week 4. Addison makes the trip to Arley in Week 5 for a non-region game and Brilliant plays at Meek in Week 6.
Meek travels to Class 1A, Region 5 champ Marion County in Week 7 before hosting Hubbertville (7-4) and South Lamar. The Tigers close the season at Jacksonville Christian (7-4).
Meek’s 2011 football schedule
Aug. 25-at Tharptown; Sept. 2-at Parrish; Sept. 9-at Lynn; Sept. 16-Berry; Sept. 23-Addison; Sept. 30-Brilliant; Oct. 7-at Marion County; Oct. 14-Hubbertville; Oct. 21-South Lamar; Oct. 28-at Jacksonville Christian.