Lake Highlands at Samuell, Forester Field, Thursday at 7 p.m.
Though we are four weeks into the season, everybody has a blank slate in District 9-5A.
“It changes a little more than people think it does,” said Scott Smith, Lake Highlands head coach. “Non-district is what it is and it’s important. But now they count. Everybody is 0-0. And I think the kids notice it because of the pace of practice this week.”
Last week was a bye week. And this week has been what Smith called “a weird week.”
“But it’s a good weird,” said Smith. “Everything was shifted forward by a day. Monday felt like Tuesday, Tuesday felt like Wednesday. But most importantly we got back to focusing on playing the way we play and winning.”
After a tough non-district schedule, the Wildcats now face a strong district lineup.
First up is Samuell.
“Lots of speed and lots of athleticism,” Smith said.
Samuell typically runs a Pro-Style offense with two running backs. Prepare to see lots of counter and lead running plays.
Samuell’s three quarterbacks have only completed 12 passes for 131 yards. However, ten different players have rushed at least once, and six have carried the ball at least ten times.
Willie Hicks, Deryante Mcgee and Tre Smith have the majority of the carries and collectively have over 400 yards on the ground.
On the defensive side of the ball, Samuell has four big and quick defensive linemen who should be a valid test for the Wildcats young offensive line.
“We want to do what we do best,” Smith said. “We want to take what the defense gives us. If they are forcing us to throw two-thirds of the time and run one-third we’ll do that and vice versa. Hopefully we can have a good balance every time we go out.”
Also online
• Football live chat: LHHS vs. Samuell High
• Video: LHHS defensive end Mitch Marzuola
