From the Desk of...

Brian Emerson

   
 Playoff Week 1

November 11, 2001

On the Regular Season

     At first glimpse, it appears we dominated people offensively. I think the key to the season has been, however, the play of our defense. It gave our offense excellent field position time and time again. You look at statistics, our opponents through 10 games have accumulated 63 first downs, and averaged just over 100 yards a game offensively. What that translates to is we've punted 12 times in 10 games. Most of that is due to the fact we've had good field position. Whether our drives have sputtered or resulted in touchdowns, we've hardly had to punt. That's a tribute to our defense.

     Another thing that's a key:  our passing game has been very effective. Joseph Mann, our quarterback--one out of three of his passes this year has been for a touchdown. He's a very effective passer. He doesn't throw many interceptions. We wouldnt' be what you call a throwing team, but we're effective when we do.

     Three out of our first four opponents, counting scrimmages, were against 3-A schools. Everybody on our pre-district schedule is a playoff representative. We play a traditionally tough pre-district schedule.

Upcoming Opponent:  Little River Academy (8-2)

     Little River Academy started off the year on a great run, and scored a lot of points. Pre-season publications were high on them. The fourth game of the season their quarterback, Luke Bargainer, got his collar bone broken against Rogers. That began a rash of injuries for them. Games they should have won big they battled. They are recovering now. Bargainer suited up last week. We're going to get a Little River team that's better than what they were the second half of the season.

     Offensively, they're wide open. A lot of formations; a lot of shotguns. About 50-50 run-pass. They are very similar to Johnson City if comparing them to someone on our schedule as far as their scheme is concerned.

     Defensively they run a 4-3. It happens to be the same scheme we run. They have good team speed. They're not huge size-wise, but they have good size. They have a good corps of talented, skilled athletes. Their quarterback and receivers are very good.

On The Playoffs

     We're at the point it's a one week season now. We've got to approach every game one at a time. It's very risky if you do catch yourself looking ahead. We're going to focus on Little River Academy right now.