Montezuma’s football team plays another home game on Friday, Aug. 26, against an HLV ballclub that should have played a game last week – but didn’t.
HLV’s scheduled contest against number one Easton Valley was weathered out.
Was that bad for the Warriors, or a blessing in disguise?
At any rate, with the weather willing, HLV will get to play this week. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Badger-Gabriel Field. And don’t forget, Montezuma’s Hall of Fame Class of 2022 will be introduced, before their formal induction on Saturday.
Think ‘HLV’ and you think physicality – a team that wants to come out and pound the ball.
“Kevin Smith is a great coach and always has his team ready to go,” said Montezuma Coach John Beck.
“With his teams it always starts in the run game and they are able to play action off of it,” said Montezuma’s coach. “Recently, they have gone a little more spread, so we might see a hybrid or tight and spread sets,” Beck said.
“With them (HLV) not having a game last week, we will have to be ready for anything,” the coach added. “I know our boys will be itching to get back in the win column this week.”
Beck said there were “a lot of positives to take from (last week’s) game,” a 36-33 loss to Iowa Valley. “But there were also some things that we can use to grow as a team and get to where we want to be at the end of the year.”
Last season, the Braves were 56-20 winners over HLV. Jack Cheney, who figures to be this year’s Warriors quarter back, hit 4 of 9 passes for 56 yards and a touchdown. Now, he’s a 6-1, 175-pound senior. But, most of HLV’s other statistical leaders in that game graduated.
“Defensively, HLV is always physical up front and has good linebackers,” Beck said.
Eddie Burgess threw for 305 yards against HLV last season. “They were a little vulnerable in the seconday last year, but they will be improved,” Beck said.
“With them not having a game last week, we will have to be ready for anything,” Beck said. “I know our boys will be itching to get back in the win column.”
WHAT? – Montezuma (0-1) vs. HLV (0-0), 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26 at Badger-Gabriel Field.