Rebel Offensive
Farmers face challenges in defensive injuries, strong Richland ground game tonight on road
Senior Trinity Benson (81) runs the ball against Rowlett as senior Kori Williams (21) blocks during Friday’s 24-21 loss in the season opener at Max Gold Smith Stadium. The Farmers face Richland on the road tonight at 7 p.m.
The football team [0-1] has a new challenge ahead of them, as they face the powerful Richland Rebels offense tonight. With some early injuries shaking up the starting lineup, the Farmers are focusing on limiting mental mistakes and playing up to their potential.
Tonight’s game is at 7 p.m. at the Fine Arts Athletic Complex in North Richland Hills.
THE POWER OFFENSE
“They’re big and physical,” said head football coach Gregg Miller about Richland [0-1]. “Their offense is a pounding offense, and right now we’re not in the situation where we can hold up a lot of pounding.”
Richland has become notorious for their running game, only passing for one touchdown last Friday in a 27-21 loss against Arlington Lamar.
“They run the old pitch, power, and pass. They’re gonna run it down your throat,” Miller said. “Their quarterback [Eddie Thomas IV] is big and fast, and they’ve got a really good running back [CJ Hicks].”
Lewisville has a running threat of their own, in senior running back Carl McGhee. McGhee rushed for 97 yards in 16 carries last Friday, averaging 6.1 yards per carry.
The Farmers throwing game also thrived while senior quarterback Adrian Villarreal boasted a 60 percent passing completion rate last week. He also threw for three touchdowns in Friday’s 24-21 loss to Rowlett.
Miller said the team is ready and up for the challenge, but added that it won’t be easy. Starting defensive backs and seniors Kori Williams and Kenneth Phillips are both out indefinitely with injuries. Senior Xavier Franklin, junior Tavion Harlan, and sophomore Matthew Kibbey will be called on to help in the secondary.
Miller said getting “banged up and bruised up” comes with the style of defense the Farmers play.
“We’re not a soft defense,” Miller said.
THE LITTLE THINGS
Due to the shortened week because of Labor Day and a Thursday game, both teams have had less time to practice and prepare. As the Farmers try for their first win of the season, senior tight end Spencer Grider knows the team has to cut down on mental mistakes.
“We don’t need to be jumping off sides, and [having] false starts with the offense,” Grider said. “Watch the ball, listen to the snap count.”
