Published: October 01, 2008 11:41 pm      

GAME OF THE WEEK

Kerens in store for battle against one-loss Edgewood

KERENS — The Bobcats face a tough task Friday night as they host the Edgewood Bulldogs in a battle of one-loss teams.

Edgewood comes into the contest on a roll after defeating three-3A teams and knocking off one of District 14-2A’s favorites, Blooming Grove, last week 35-28.

The Bulldogs played a tough pre-season schedule. In Week Zero, Edgewood lost to Harmony 40-63. However, in Week 1 the Bulldogs took their frustration out on class 3A Canton in a 48-40 victory. Week 2 saw them defeat Eustace, 44-42, followed in week 3 with a two-point defeat of Mineola, 35-33.

Edgewood has been tested by playing some high caliber competition. The Bulldogs offense is averaging 40.5 points per game. But the defense has been their weak spot allowing opponents to score 41.5 points per game.

“This week will be a totally different ballgame than the past few games,” Kerens head coach Russell Anderson said. “Edgewood will air it out … they may throw the ball 50 times if that’s what it takes to move the ball.”

The Bulldogs are led by quarterback Weston Jameson, who was selected as the Built Ford Tough Texas High School Football Player of the Week for Class 2A in Week Zero action. Jameson has also been selected as an East Texas Player of the Week Honoree this season. The Edgewood quarterback completed 18 of 33 passes for 312 yards in their first district contest against Blooming Grove last week.

Edgewood head coach Ryan Simmons believes his team has a good chance to move the ball against the Bobcats and has a lot of faith in receivers Clay Haltom, Kevin Rose, and Darius Rogers. Rogers scorched the Lions secondary with 11 receptions for 191 yards and three touchdowns in the Bulldogs victory.

Kerens had an impressive outing versus Scurry Rosser in a 34-7 win. Bobcats offensive leader Patrick Faulk continued to be impressive as he rushed for 220 yards on 18 carries and three touchdowns on the ground while completing 14 of 28 passes for 161 yards and tossing for a touchdown to sophomore receiver Ryan Leerskov.

Kerens senior running back Byron Mitchell returned for the Bobcats last week carrying the ball eight times for 52 yards and a 1-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. Mitchell will be a much welcomed addition in the backfield for Kerens as he will share time with sophomore running back Micheal Jordan who has played well on both sides of the ball this season.

“Our defense has been playing really well,” Anderson said. “Eric Tolliver had four sacks and probably 20 tackles against Scurry Rosser … Trey McGowan and Cody Roberts continue to be solid in the middle linebacker positions.”

If Edgewood attempts to pass the ball in lieu of the running game look for safeties Faulk and Jayveon Williams to rack up the interceptions. The Bobcats defense has been stellar against the run in the last two games allowing Cayuga 165 yards on the ground and shutting Scurry Rosser down with only 22 yards rushing on 31 carries last week. The Bulldogs will likely look to the air to move the ball.

End Note: Two weeks ago in the Kerens v. Cayuga game, The University of Texas at Austin was represented by assistant coach Major Applewhite. Applewhite was attending the game to scout Cayuga’s Traylon Shead who finished the contest with 161 yards rushing and one touchdown. However, at halftime, Applewhite made his way to the Kerens sideline to inquire about Bobcats standout Patrick Faulk who burned the Wildcats defense for 295 yards rushing and four touchdowns. Faulk is the real deal and deserves respect. If you have a chance to watch this young man you should take advantage of the opportunity.



EDGEWOOD at Kerens

7:30 P.M. Friday

AT A.G. Godley Stadium



RECORDS: Edgewood is 4-1, 1-0 in District 14-2A. Kerens is 4-1, 1-0 in 14-2A.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Edgewood: QB Weston Jameson, WR Clay Haltom, WR Darius Rogers, OL Kyle Marley. Kerens: QB/DB Patrick Faulk, RB/DB Byron Mitchell, OL/LB Cody Roberts, TE/DL Eric Tolliver.



OFFENSE:

Edgewood has a good quarterback in Weston Jameson. He is accurate with his passes and has avoided interceptions. The Bulldogs will be challenged to run and sustain drives. Running back Levi Weaver managed to gain 74 yards on 15 carries against Blooming Grove last week. Kerens has averaged 33 points. Quarterback Patrick Faulk continues to be the catalyst for the Bobcats as he has rushed the ball 84 times for 922 yards and completed 41 out of 80 passes for 604 yards.

EDGE: KERENS



DEFENSE:

The Bulldogs have played a tough schedule. But they have allowed opponents to outscore them overall. Out of four wins, two were by two points and the others by seven and eight points. Edgewood allowed Blooming Grove to hang 28 points on them last week while only giving up 282 yards of total offense. The Bobcats defense is allowing 14.6 points per game to opponents. Over the last two weeks Kerens has only allowed one rushing touchdown.

EDGE: KERENS



INTANGIBLES:

Edgewood has three victories against 3A teams. The Bulldogs schedule may have better prepared them for a hard-fought contest than the Bobcats. Kerens played three 1A teams in preseason and lost to one of them in the Chilton Pirates. Edgewood has more close game experience. -- Edgewood

EDGE: EDGEWOOD



OVERALL EDGE:

KERENS