The main takeaway from last week’s 7-6 win over Garland is focus. This was a much more focused, inspired effort by Lake Highlands than in the 36-14 loss to Mesquite Horn.
Except for the fumbles, of course. You might be able to blame the wet field conditions on some of those four fumbles, but you can bet ball security will be emphasized during the next few days of the bye week.
– The turnovers put even more pressure on the LH defense in a tight game, but the defense was up to the task. Garland helped by being so scattershot on offense, especially its passing game. Garland QB Jared Barnett was just 10-of-24, and the offense looked a lot like it did for 16 minutes against Duncanville. The Owls are either going to work out the kinks in the passing game, or look for them to revert to a more ground-oriented attack. They went to a running offense last year when Barnett was injured and had success. They’re too good a team, and Jeff Jordan too good a coach, to be held back by forcing a passing game that isn’t working.
– LH receiver Anthony Harris needs another chin strap. Or maybe some super glue. For the second week in a row, his helmet went flying after a nasty collision with a defensive back. I think Anthony felt this one, but hopefully he will be OK. One local highlight show called it the "hit of the year" – but I guess they didn’t see the tape of the Horn game.
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– Love the return to the old white jerseys. It’s not just that the black numbers are easy to read, compared to the white-on-white combo that confounded so many people, it’s just a more coordinated look. The red and black trim goes with the striping on the helmet better. Ironically, some of Garland’s numbers were hard to read. The yellow numerals practically glowed on their black jerseys, but the numbers were so thick it was hard to tell 9’s from 6’s from 8’s. We’ll get to see LH’s new home jerseys for the first time next week.
– By playing Thursday night, the entire LH coaching staff got to see Berkner play DeSoto on Friday night at the stadium. The Rams hung in there with one of the area’s most talented teams, but lost, 13-10. Junior Aric Stock has taken over at QB for Berkner, moving veteran Lawrence Williams to receiver. Williams nearly made a great touchdown grab but he fumbled the ball out of the end zone. Fumbles were an issue for Williams when he was a QB, but the switch at QB hasn’t made Berkner any more effective at throwing the ball.
Although Berkner is very good, I like LH’s chances at this point if Berkner can’t do more through the air. LH hasn’t seen a true dual-threat offense yet. Mesquite and Horn pretty much stuck to the air and Garland tried to throw but couldn’t. Stock is a nifty operator of the option and Grant Nakwaasah is a terrific talent at RB. It should be a great game when LH and Berkner play Oct. 9.
– This week, with LH having a bye, LH fans (and scouts) can see Richardson play Pearce in their rivalry game on Thursday night at Eagle-Mustang Stadium. On Friday night, you can catch Skyline (LH’s next opponent) against Plano East at Kimbrough Stadium, which is in Murphy. Richardson is much improved this year and will challenge for a playoff spot. Skyline is Skyline – immensely talented and probably looking for revenge against LH at The Boneyard next week.
– Don’t forget we’re doing The Wildcat Sports Report with Scott Smith next Wednesday, Sept. 23, live from Picasso’s Pizza and Grill. We’ll get you pumped up for the Skyline game.
