We’re heading into week two (week four for Glenbrook) and everyone is talking football again. We’ve seen just enough of our favorite teams to play armchair quarterback. It’s early enough in the season to be cautiously optimistic, and many in the area still are. Here’s what I’ve seen and what I’m hoping for in my (very limited) time as sports editor.
Glenbrook
Glenbrook is the team I’ve seen the most. Sure, they’ve dropped their first three games, but I still enjoy watching them play. New offensive coordinator David Feaster has installed an exciting offense. Sophomore quarterback Jackson Powell is small, but when given time to throw the ball he can find his targets.
The problem all season for the Apaches has been big plays. Head coach Drew Maddox is a defensive-minded guy, so I imagine he has spent the last few weeks practicing tackling. If Glenbrook can find consistency on defense, they will find their way into the win column soon enough. The Apaches will score points, but can they cut out mistakes and limit big plays on defense?
Friday’s game at home against Central Hinds Academy will not be an easy game by any stretch. Maddox described them as “the toughest opponent we’ve faced so far.” Luckily, Glenbrook has only one other school in their district, and could potentially still make the playoffs even after starting the year winless.
Minden Crimson Tide
The Tide operate on a collegiate level. Being in The Pit last Friday felt like being at a Division-II university, albeit one with an insatiable appetite for football.
The stands were packed, the energy was high and the football was solid. Just like with Glenbrook, Minden’s early-season concern has to be limiting big plays. Against Haughton, the Tide held their own and all but matched the Buccaneers for offensive output. With a senior-heavy defense, experience shouldn’t be a concern. The problem is that many of the Minden seniors are just now getting their first experience as a starter. With time and snaps those players will settle into their roles. When the Tide find consistency this season, look out. They are well-coached, strong and talented.
As always, the focus is on the quarterback. Sophomore Trent McGlaughlin will have to learn on the job as he has thrust himself into the starting role. He has obvious talent. What impressed me in the loss to Haughton was his toughness. He had an early fumble that was returned for a touchdown. Most young guys will crack under that pressure, but he got back out there and led a handful of successful drives thereafter.
Minden play host to Haynesville this Friday in what is sure to be a great game. Haynesville is the storied small school taking on Goliath. Haynesville hung on to beat North Webster last week, and drilled Lakeside in the jamboree the week prior.
Lakeside
The Warriors are coming off an early season beatdown last Friday when they defeated Ringgold 66-6. It was a great way to bounce back after a tough jamboree and the best way to start your season, no matter the opponent.
Lakeside has one of the best running backs in the area in Jacquez Lott. Lott ran for 84 yards on 11 carries and three touchdowns against Ringgold.
Lott is the key to Lakeside’s offense because he can open up so many lanes for other players. If head coach Jason McClendon can establish his running game first with Lott, quarterback Jordan Preuett will have more time in the pocket to find his stellar receivers. Travion Sanders (our Athlete of the Week) caught 4 passes for 118 yards and two touchdowns last week and will be a target for Preuett all year long.
Lakeside travels to Montgomery this Friday for a game McClendon expects to be tougher than last week.
“They are coached well and are much better than they were last year,” McClendon said. “We respect them and expect a very physical game.”
North Webster
The Knights are off to a good start this year despite last week’s loss to Haynesville. North Webster played excellent football in the Pineland Jamboree, and had a great opportunity to win against Haynesville last Friday.
Head coach John Ware said the Knights cannot shoot themselves in the foot if they want to be a successful team this season.
“Our kids work their butts off, they’re not going to fold up and pack it in after one loss,” Ware said.
The Knights have some stellar wide receivers that Ware hopes to use in his new power spread offense. Scottie Johnson caught three touchdown passes in the jamboree. Eddie Rollen caught four passes last Friday for 77 yards and a touchdown.
North Webster will hang their hats on their defense, though. Against Haynesville, the Knights defense played well. Haynesville scored two defensive touchdowns, so the defense did its job.
“Our defense is playing well,” Ware said. “We’re tackling well and being aggressive to the ball. We have depth at defensive line which lets us stay fresh.”
This Friday the Knights travel to North Desoto for another touch challenge.
“They are a good football team,” Ware said. “They have one of the best backs in Louisiana, no doubt about it. They are well-coached.”