By John Beck
Head Football Coach
You are correct – the guys just kept persevering and never lost hope. That is the main takeaway, when it came down to it the guys found a way to win. With that being said we have plenty to work on as a team.
On the defensive side, we were too high all around though we got better as the game went on. . We had to tackle a couple of big backs and make consistent tackles on guys that are big you have to get low.
That will be a big emphasis in practice this week. Another key takeaway was block destruction: We have to a better job of getting off of blocks in order to accomplish the goals we have this year.
Last is pursuit – we have to do a better taking appropriate angles to the ball as we progress throughout the year.
With all that being said, I was pleased with our effort. The guys never gave up and rallied to the ball as a team fairly well. Having multiple guys to the ball is always important as one of the hardest things to do in this sport is solo tackling in space. The defense held up in the biggest moments. We had multiple 4th down stops that kept us in the game.
Offensively, we were able to move the ball well, however we missed some big opportunities throughout the game. I felt as if we left 2-3 touchdowns out there, maybe more.
It really comes down to the little things. Assignment blocking, staying low, and finishing plays are all aspects that we will continue to work on.
Broox, Brady and company really did a nice job running the football. We have to give credit to the guys up front for that. Plants, Smith and Wedgewood all improved as the game went on. The assignments and technique were consistently improving. Our receivers came up with some big plays. Broox got an early TD on a check by Brady. Brennan wrestled a big catch just before halftime and then had the biggest catch of the night at the end.
Brady, while making some decisions he would like to have back, kept his head up throughout the night. His pocket presence, and he had a nice pocket most of the night, was big. Knowing when to step up and run and then being able to keep his eyes down field was huge.
Overall, it was a typical first game against a really good opponent. Springville is looking to win their district and to beat them on the road means something. They were physical, well-coached and loved to block. We needed that type of adversity, and going forward we will be better because of it. Film showed us a lot about what we need to do to reach our potential as a team. I look forward to how we will grow from it.
Looking at Wayne, we see a lot of similarities to Springville. They want to run the football and be physical doing it. Up front they have a big guy at center and two guards who like to move.
The game revolves around their QB, Buckingham. He is a physical runner who has a nice arm. Their back also runs very hard as they like to keep it on the ground.
Meanwhile their receivers and tight ends do a nice job in their roles.
Defensively, they like to sit in a cover 3 and rally to the football. They do it pretty well. They have a solid linebacker core and line that can cause some problems if we are not solid in our assignment.
Overall, this is a big district showdown and we will need to come prepared and ready to be physical.