DUBLIN — West Bladen opens its 2017 varsity football season Friday in Southport against a South Brunswick squad that, like the Knights, is in a rebuilding mode.
“They’re a lot like us,” said West Bladen first-year coach Kris Williams. “They started it last season, but we’re both in about the same boat.”
The Cougars got an idea where they stood when their season opened last week on the road in Red Springs, where the host Red Devils pasted visiting South Brunswick, 33-0.
“(Despite that loss), it looks like they are well coached with a good staff,” Williams said.
He added that he is impressed with the Cougars’ running game and size on both sides of the line, which features four players 275 pounds or more.
The South Brunswick offense runs out of a hybrid mix of Wing T, spread and shotgun; the defense will line of in a 52 with variations.
“We’re just going to have to execute,” Williams said. “I know that’s cliche, but if we stick to the game plan and take care of the ball, we can be successful.”
If there is one area Williams is hoping will be evident from start to finish on Friday, it’s effort.
“If we see the effort Friday like we’ve been seeing in practices, we’ll be happy,” he said. “Practices have been going really well.”
The Knights will be at mostly full strength, missing only one lineman who had his hand broken when another player stepped on it. Williams did not want to identify the player.
“Some of our other linemen will need to step up to fill that gap,” he said.
West Bladen and South Brunswick will kick off at 7 p.m. Friday.
W. Curt Vincent can be reached by calling 910-862-4163 or cvincent@s24515.p831.sites.pressdns.com.