DUBLIN — West Bladen’s Knights have been battling more than just an opponent the past two weeks. They’ve been getting in the way of themselves, as well.
Coach Kris Williams hopes that will change on Friday.
“Our biggest challenge this week is us,” he said. “We’ve got to stay more focused and doing things the right way. Execution has to be a lot better.”
After a 2-0 non-conference start, followed by an 0-2 Three Rivers Conference start, the Knights are hoping to snap the losing skein and break into the conference win column Friday when they host the winless East Bladen Gators.
“They’ve got some pretty decent athletes,” Williams said. “It’s not easy to pinpoint any specific players because the film we have isn’t real clear.”
Still, Williams knows the Knights are going to have to play their game on each side of the ball to have a chance.
He added that East Columbus “looks a lot like us” on offense — operating out of the Wing T, though keeping it more basic without the wrinkles West Bladen adds.
On defense, the Gators will set up in a 5-2, though Williams is expecting them to “put 10 players in the box to stop our run game.”
The Gators have a 2-1 overall record against West Bladen over the years, but it’s been nine years since the two teams have met. That last meeting came in 2008, when East Columbus beat the Knights in a heart-breaker, 43-42.
Williams said his practices have “been about average” this week, so he’s got his fingers crossed the Knights will be zeroed in on Friday.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at The Castle.
W. Curt Vincent can be reached by calling 910-862-4163 or cvincent@s24515.p831.sites.pressdns.com.