VANDALIA – Two different kids of strategies will be at work tonight as Van-Far/Community R-VI host Clopton-Elsberry in a homecoming tilt for the Indians.
Verdell Johnson leads a fast ground game as quarterback for Van-Far/Community R-VI while Clopton-Elsberry’s Shawn Yates shines in passing yards.
Both coaches indicated they’ve been working on defensive strategies to contain the opposing quarterbacks. Coach John Kliewer said his team is prepared to see more passing and more formations than with the previous opponents. Coach Butch Wolanksi pointed out that limiting “the big play” has been a focus for his team this week.
Kliewer noted his Van-Far/Community R-VI team will have more faces this week as the Indians return about five players they have been without the first three weeks for various reasons including a starting linebacker.
“We can finally rotate some kids in and out and have some additional support.”
Kliewer added that cramping and heat has been problematic while preparing for this week’s homecoming matchup.
He noted that Johnson and the entire team have been adapting to his coaching style. He said the team ran out of steam against Wright City in a 38-18 loss.
“We didn’t play worse as the game went on, we just simply ran out of steam. They had more players to rotate. Hopefully we’ll do better with that tonight.”
Wolanski said the IndianHawks are dealing with the roster losses and will have a few sophomores starting in the positions of linebacker and running back.
“I have confidence in their abilities,” Wolanski remarked.
He added the team will look to incorporate more of a ground game to their offense this week. Last week in a 46-29 loss to North Callaway, the IndianHawks only managed 25 yards rushing.
“We’ll have more attempts this week. We’ll be more committed to the run game,” Wolanski said. “The boys are starting to see the vision of how I want the offense.”
Yates ended the loss last Friday with over 300 yards of offense passing. Wolanski pointed out the team will be looking to contain Johnson.
“He’s such a good player and he’s going to get his. We want to limit the big plays. We will have a ‘bend but don’t break’ approach.”
The game will be the featured KJFM Eagle 102 Game of the Week (GOTW) and will include streaming video online at www.kjfmeagle102.net. Stay tuned to KJFM for the most complete coverage of area sports.