South Wasco County receiver Nick Ward turns the corner for a big gain on a kickoff return in a 1A football contest played earlier this season in Maupin. At 1 p.m. Friday, the Redsides head to Mitchell for a league game against Mitchell-Spray
South Wasco County receiver Nick Ward turns the corner for a big gain on a kickoff return in a 1A football contest played earlier this season in Maupin. At 1 p.m. Friday, the Redsides head to Mitchell for a league game against Mitchell-Spray
All things being equal, Friday afternoon’s 1A football contest between South Wasco County and Mitchell-Spray appears to be a winnable game for head coach Mike Waine and the Redsides.
However, the Redsides (1-5 overall, 0-4 league) are dealing with a rash of injuries that has decimated their roster, as Ty Herlocker, Dennis McCabe, Brandon Wraught, Ryan Hubbard and possibly Keith Kegel are out with various injuries, leaving the team without its center/middle linebacker, fullback/defensive end, tailback/linebacker.
“We are still going into this week with a mission to compete,” Waine said. “We get Haven Stevenson this week for his season debut. Haven will be stepping into a defensive end and tight end position. Haven could be the difference maker.”
Andrew Lindley will shift to center and running back is an open competition and Dawson Herlocker stays behind center at quarterback, ready to move an SWC offense that scored a season-high 46 points two weeks ago.
“It's going to be a battle this week, and hopefully next week versus Ione,” Waine said. “We should have Ty back, and Keith will be back for sure then.”
After scoring 83 points in its first two games, Mitchell-Spray has been outscored 247-14, including a 56-8 loss last week in Ione’s first win of the year.
Offensively, Mitchell-Spray (2-4, 0-4) has what Waine said is an interesting playbook, featuring a center keeper and an I-formation and a few spread sets.
Waine said that success Friday will come with some early scores and a physical defense to put the Eagle-Loggers on their heels.
“I think we will definitely be able to compete, if we can get a few scores on offense and get a few turnovers on defense,” Waine said. “Our corners will have to step up this week and play some shutdown pass defense. Cornerbacks Nick Ward and Tuff Wilson have some big roles to fill.”
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