CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – West Creek football (1-2, 0-1) hosts Northeast (2-1, 2-0) at 7 p.m. Friday in a Region 7-5A contest.
Last week against Portland, West Creek held a 21-9 lead going into the fourth quarter of play. The Panthers then proceeded to outscore the Coyotes 22-6 in the final 15 minutes of the contest to pull out a 31-27 come-from-behind win.
West Creek football coach James Figueroa discussed the key play that ultimately led to his team’s late-game collapse.
“It was a sophomore mistake on a punt return,” Figueroa said. “He tried to scoop the ball up and ended up kicking it, giving Portland the ball back for a score.”
The Eagles have really had an extra week to prepare for the Coyotes since picking up a forfeit win in their last game against Dyer County.
“I think the week off was really good for us,” said Northeast football coach Brandon Clark. “We didn’t just fine tune us, but we fined tuned how we practice. I have really been impressed at the tempo we have been able to create which has really made a big difference. I think the last week we have been able to practice twice as many plays as usual just due to our coaches and players pushing each other to get more work in.”
Figueroa believes that the additional rest does in fact give the Eagles a slight competitive advantage in the matchup.
“Northeast gets their players healthy and extra time to scout us and watch film,” Figueroa said. “It’s like a bye week for them. They are loaded with athletes too.”
A lack of ball security has been a glaring issue for the Eagles through two games played, leading to nine total turnovers. Even though it’s hard to simulate in practice, Clark believes his team has shown improvement especially on special teams when it comes to protecting the ball better.
“We have been working ball security, but nothing out of the ordinary,” Clark said. “We are probably teaching them more of the severe consequences of what could potentially happen in a game when and if they do fumble. Obviously, we have learned this firsthand in the first two games of the season. I feel like we have yet to hit our stride in a game offensively due to these turnovers.”
One can argue that Northeast quarterback Jaiden Puig had his first poor performance of his Eagle career under center two weeks ago against Rossview’s defense. Clark believes Puig will use the loss as a lesson and continue to get better as a result.
“I think we all were humbled by our loss to Rossview, especially our offense,” Clark said. “I’ve never known a player whether he was a quarterback, tackle or punter to have a perfect season or a perfect game. It just wasn’t Jaiden’s best performance of his career and I’m okay with that because he comes to practice everyday and works his tail off and due to that, I think that is why he has more “on” games than “off “games.”
Coyotes running back Ty’Kease Blanton had a rushing touchdown and an interception return for a touchdown last Friday against Portland. Figueroa expects to see more of the same from the scintillating sophomore moving forward.
“Ty’Kease Blanton is a playmaker,” Figueroa said. “Him and Jameel Mann Jr. back there gives us a one-two punch at the running back position. Ty’Kease has been running people over. I hope he comes out Friday night ready to play.”
West Creek quarterback Ti-Anthony Wagner also had a number of highlight-reel plays against Portland both through the air and on the ground. Clark shared what his group will need to do in order to contain the dual-threat Wagner.
“Wagner is one of the best QBs in town,” Clark said. “I feel like he has been playing there forever. He can hurt you with his arm and legs. I always feel like West Creek has the potential to score from anywhere anytime. We’re trying to keep things extremely simple on defense, so we can play as fast as possible. We will have to play responsible due to the fact that they run some veer option and speed option which is really where Wagner can hurt you.”
The Eagle defense has been solid so far this season only allowing 10 points per game to opposing offenses. Figueroa understands it will take a total team effort to pick up a much needed region win on Friday.
“Ti-Anthony just has to come out and play his game,” Figueroa said. “He tries to do too much for this team which I am grateful for that, but he has to realize there are other players who can step up as well. I hope Terrence (Brown), our number one receiver, can take some of that responsibility of Ti as well. He has to be patient on offense and take what the defense gives him. He has to play a mistake-free game because Northeast has a good defense.”