Before the season started it was clear non-district was going to be difficult for the Bridge City Cardinals with five quality opponents. After a loss in Week 1, Coach Allen DeShazo evaluated the Cardinals performance. Bridge City competed until the very end despite a somewhat one-sided score. He believes the Cardinals got a little worn out with so many players going two-way.
DeShazo said there was one injury that has him concerned as defensive back Austin Richardson is having his knee checked. “Otherwise we’re just beat up a little bit and tired,” DeShazo added.
Week 2 will not be any easier for Bridge City as the Cardinals travel to Jasper. DeShazo said the Bulldogs use a myriad of formations on offense. They want their opponent to misalign or get out of formation. The coach said the key for the Cardinals is to line up correctly every time and be in the right spot.
Despite all the formations the Bulldogs do not do much different than what they have done in the past. Colton Womack at quarterback has a great control of the multiple Wing-T offense for Jasper. The backs Montavien Hunt and Brashaun Hubbard are both very good. DeShazo admits, “It does not get any easier this week.”
On defense, DeShazo indicates Jasper is big and quick. The Bulldogs base out of the 50 like Bridge City does and like Diboll did in Week 1. They do not present anything that is different for the Cardinals.
Noseguard Nicholas Barthol is a good one for the Bulldogs. Linebacker William Bluitt is also a standout. Charlie Burnett is the leader of a very talented defensive secondary for Jasper. The Bulldogs are fast and swarm on defense. DeShazo predicts, “It’s going to be a real test for sure.”
Friday night will be another opportunity for the Cardinals to improve. Coach DeShazo identified areas he would like to see improvement from Bridge City on offense and defense. Taking care of the football is the top priority on offense after four turnovers against Diboll. Two of the touchdowns scored by Diboll in Week 1 were while Bridge City was on offense with a pick six and a fumble return for a score. The Cardinals did pass for 125 yards which is a good showing for Cace Skinner at quarterback.
Tackling must improve on defense for the Cardinals. The coach’s chart showed 28 missed tackles and eleven of those were in the backfield which could have stopped drives by Diboll. DeShazo believes there are some things Bridge City can clean up to improve this week against Jasper. “We’ve just got to do a better job of fundamentals, take care of the ball, and tackle,” Coach DeShazo concluded.
-Dan Perrine, KOGT-
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