The Lions Bowl is more than just an opportunity for the freshman football teams from Smyrna and Riverdale to play one more game this season.
For Smyrna (8-0) it presents a chance to put an exclamation point on what already has been the best freshman season in school history. For Riverdale (7-1) there is the potential to avenge its only defeat, 34-14, back in the second week of the season.
"This is the first undefeated regular season in school history," Smyrna coach Will Hawkins said. "... With the opportunity to go undefeated and to beat Riverdale twice in a season, the kids are highly focused and motivated."
Smyrna is led by running back DeMario Thompson, who in a recent game carried three times for 85 yards and two touchdowns. Linebacker Brandon Hathaway is the heart of the defense.
"We're blessed to have a lot of great athletes in this bunch," Hawkins said. "They've been playing together a long time — a lot of them since they were little."
Riverdale relies heavily on linebacker/fullback Jason Boland and halfback Adam Davenport, who has averaged close to 100 rushing yards and two touchdowns this season.
With another victory, these Warriors will be the first freshman group since 2001 to win eight.
"The biggest difference I've seen (from previous years) is the desire to get better, and they desire to do what they're coached to do," defensive coordinator Les Greer said. "... They knew that if we won out we'd have a chance to play Smyrna again."
The Lions Bowl is a doubleheader at Tullahoma High School, which begins with Tullahoma against Lincoln County, 6 p.m. Smyrna and Riverdale follow at 8 p.m.
