There will be only one place in Tipton County to see high school football Friday.

Covington, Brighton and Tipton-Rosemark Academy are all on a bye this week, leaving Munford as the county’s only team in action. The Cougars will host Overton in an important Region 8-5A game.

That makes Friday a good time for football fans from across the county to put aside the usual rivalries, fill the stands and turn out for Munford High School.

The Cougars have given those fans plenty to support.

Munford improved to 5-1 last week with a 68-0 victory over Kingsbury. The Cougars ran for 403 yards, scored early and often and earned their first region win of the season. It was the response Munford needed after suffering its first loss against Whitehaven the week before.

Junior Tay Starks continues to lead a rushing attack that has carried the Cougars throughout the season. He has run for 588 yards and scored 13 touchdowns, but Munford’s success has come from more than Starks. The Cougars have rotated backs, controlled the line of scrimmage and kept fresh legs on the field.

When the running game gets going, Munford is hard to stop.

Overton comes to town with a 4-3 record after losing 45-18 to Memphis Central last week. The Wolverines are 0-1 in the region, but their season has included convincing victories over Oakhaven, Manassas and Wooddale.

Munford can’t expect another easy game simply because of what happened against Kingsbury.

The Cougars need to establish the run, protect the football and keep Overton from finding the confidence that helped it win three straight games earlier in the season. Another strong performance on the ground would allow Munford to control the game and continue moving up in the region standings.

Next week brings a rivalry game at Brighton. For now, the Cougars have a home game to win and an opportunity to improve to 2-0 in the region.

They will also have the county football stage to themselves.

On a normal Friday, Tipton County fans spread out among four sidelines. This week, everyone has the same destination. Wear your school colors if you want, but head to Munford, find a seat, and cheer on the Cougars. Kickoff is 7 p.m. at Dr. Sid Witherington Field.