Another win was registered for West Orange-Stark last week. The Mustangs took a 21-0 lead into halftime and that was the final score.
Despite the victory Coach Cornel Thompson was disappointed in the overall game effort exhibited by the Mustangs. Thompson observed, “We come out the second half, and I believe some of them stayed in the fieldhouse I don’t believe they come out that second half.”
The loss of one player because of injury in the game bothered the coach. Keontae Strother dislocated a knee. Some good news is the Mustangs should have a few players back from bumps and bruises this week including starting running back Kavyn Cooper who has been bothered by sore ankles.
This Friday is the final non-district game for the Mustangs and could be a preview of a post-season contest against undefeated Jasper. Thompson evaluated the Bulldogs on offense. They use a Slot-T or Wing-T offense similar to last week’s opponent the Bridge City Cardinals.
What makes Jasper unique is its use of unbalanced lines from the basic formation. Thompson pointed out the Bulldogs will overbalance one side of the line putting three, four, five, and even six players to one side of the center. “So, you’ve got to get lined up properly don’t let them outflank you,” Thompson emphasized.
The leading ball carrier for Jasper is tailback Montavien Hunt. He’s averaging an impressive 10 yards per carry. When they do pass the ball, it will frequently go to speedster Charlie Burnett.
The Bulldogs play defense like a bunch of crazed dogs according to Coach Thompson. Jasper lines up in a 50 Defense like West Orange-Stark. Thompson said, “They’re pretty good, you’re going to have to block them, or it’s going to be a long night.”
The bell cow in the Bulldogs’ defense is linebacker William Bluitt. He is one of the leaders in tackles for Jasper. In the defensive line is Brashuan Hubbard who had six sacks last year. Burnett is a leader in the secondary with 40 tackles and an interception the previous season.
West Orange-Stark (2-3) would like to head to district action with back-to-back wins. Thompson gave his priorities for this final tune up before the district games start. He would like to see the Mustangs play hard while still avoiding injuries.
There is some history between West Orange-Stark and Jasper. Coach Thompson reminds that three times in the past the two teams have met in the regular season and then advanced to play each other again in the state playoffs. “This could be the same scenario again this year if we both take care of our business,” Thompson stated. First things first though, Coach Thompson wants to see 48 minutes out of his Mustangs this Friday night.
-Dan Perrine, KOGT-
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