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Westless: Wolves look to move on from two tough losses
BY Kevin Hageland, khageland@acnpapers.com
After winning the district opener over Lewisville, Plano West head coach Mike Hughes called the next three games, "the meat of the schedule" for the Wolves.
Now, sitting at 2-2 in District 8-5A and with a legitimate shot at the playoffs, the last three games take on an even greater importance.
"This is the stretch run," Hughes said. "We are in a great spot because we don't have to rely on anyone else to make the playoffs; we just need to stay focused on ourselves, take advantage of our opportunities and win these next three games."
That opportunity will come at 7:30 p.m. Friday from Clark Stadium against Hebron.
"Those games are in the past, so there is no point dwelling on them," Hughes said. "What we are focused on now is putting together real good practices. We have no other choice because we are going up against a very good Hebron team."
Hebron enters Friday's game a hard-luck team as well with both its losses coming by three points.
A big part of the reason for the Hawks' success has been their defense, which is allowing just under 15 points per game in district. Hebron has a 3-4 scheme and likes to run the Cover 2.
"Hebron is sound defensively," Hughes said. "They are very aggressive and can really run to the ball."
Often leading that charge is Deatrich Wise. Hughes said Wise reminds him of West senior defensive end Bryce Cottrell, who verbally committed to Oregon on Sunday.
Blocking Wise and the rest of the Hebron front could be a bit more challenging than usual for West without senior offensive lineman Chase Thomas, who suffered a broken leg against Allen.
The Wolves offense isn't at a complete deficit though as the team made further strides in the passing game last week. Led by the connection between junior quarterback Travis Korry and senior wide receiver Nathan Orbach, West has been able to stretch the field vertically more the past two weeks than it had all season.
That has made a strong companion for the West rushing attack, which is paced by Carlos Wiggins. The senior has surpassed 100 yards in five straight games.
"Our ability to play-action pass has put a lot of pressure on opposing defenses," Hughes said. "Plus, when you are able to run the ball, that naturally opens up the passing game a bit more."
Korry stepped in for senior Carson Smith, who was injured against Lewisville. Smith could be back and used in a variety of roles Friday.
The reinforcements continue on defense.
Senior defensive tackle Avery Heanu returned against Allen, but will see more playing time Friday. Another senior, linebacker Ike Egege, will also be ready Friday against Hebron after missing the past three weeks. The returning starters will come in handy against a Hebron offense that, while inconsistent, is capable of spreading the ball around. The Hawks have used 14 ball carriers this season and have 18 players that have caught a pass from quarterback Joseph Farley. The leader among those wideouts is Brandon Grant, who has 17 catches for 286 yards.
"Hebron has a lot of talented receivers," Hughes said. "And they have a big, strong quarterback who is good in the pocket."
Hughes had similar kind words for Dezmond Wortham, the team's lead rusher with 423 yards and six touchdowns.
"That is a Division I type of running back right there," he said.
As the variety of players on the stat sheet would suggest, Hebron runs its offense out of multiple formations. And while West's defense is vulnerable to giving up yardage, the Wolves have also shown proficiency at forcing turnovers, a notion reinforced three times against Allen.
"Part of a good defense is takeaways," Hughes said. "And we've got some playmakers on our defense."
The ability to force turnovers, as well as taking care of the ball in the second half, could well spark West to a victory Friday and put the Wolves one step closer to a playoff return.
"We feel good about where we are mentally and physically right now," Hughes said. "We feel like we are a playoff team ... but every team in this district feels like they are a playoff team, so we have to continue to play well."
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