(Wylie) The Roaring Raiders look to continue their dominance on the field when they host the mighty Pirates, as the two teams clash for the towns bragging rights on Friday, Oct.14.
The Raiders (2-1) will look to crush the Pirates defensive line with monster running back duo Jabari Anderson and Kevon Mack, who together have rushed for 19 touchdowns and over 1,800 yards through just six games. The Raiders quarterback Garrett McCain hopes to continue his success through the air and looks to connect with Raiders star receiver Marcell Ateman.
Although this game will be very physical and an intensely heated battle, the raiders and Pirates have not always been enemies. Many of the players from both sides have either grown up or played together. The Raiders have their mind set to treat the Pirates like another opponent.
“Playing Wylie High is just another opponent, I mean sure they are friends but they are just any other opponent,” Raiders linebacker Tracy Norman said.
“We just have to go out there and get that W,” Anthony Lenoir Raiders offensive line said.
The Pirates have failed to meet their high expectations coming into the season. Wylie High has started off rocky and is now on a two game skid after losing in the final seconds to Highland Park. The Pirates who are just 1-2 in district so far this season could quickly turn the season around with a big win over the rival Raiders.
Many Pirate fans are upset they will be sitting on the away side in what they call their own stadium.
“I don’t think it’s right that we will be sitting on the away side in our own stadium; it just doesn’t seem right,” Pirate senior Ryan Cook said. The Pirates hope to repeat last years, decisive win over the Raiders when they dominated Wylie East 57-7.
The Raiders and Pirates know what is at stake, and so do the fans. The trash talk has begun and the emotions of a big rivalry game are flying swiftly through the air.
Both the Raiders and Pirates will have to make adjustments in order for their team to be successful.
Do’s for the Raiders: The Raiders need to control the clock with a dominant run game. When the Defense gets tired and plays to the run, give the ball to McCain and let him connect with his big strong receivers.
Don’ts for the Raiders: The Raiders will have to cut out the careless mistakes such as dropped passes, muffed punts, and fumbled snaps. The Raiders will also have to execute in the red zone, if they continue to make the mistakes and not execute, they could find themselves playing from behind.
Do’s for the Pirates: The Pirates will have to get that offense going or else their ship will sink. Wylie High has to establish some kind of offensive rhythm early in the game and get their quarterbacks going who all together have combined for a measly four touchdowns and eight interceptions. The Pirates will also need the defense to step up against the number two offense in division 4A football.
Don’ts for the Pirates: The Pirates cannot turn the ball over to this Raiders defense; the Pirates defense will be unable to stop the high flying Raider’s offense.
Overall in this game it will come down to the Raiders offense against the Pirates defense.
By student journalist Laine Griffey, sports editor at Wylie East High School’s Blue Print. Published Oct. 12, 2011. The newspaper and journalism classes are under the direction of Casi Thedford.
To submit your news, events, or student-written work, email editor@BlueRibbonNews.com.
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