The Indian football team defeated Levelland, 70-32, in bi-district on Nov. 14 and will face Glen Rose tonight at 7 p.m. in Sweetwater for the area round.
The Indians’ path got harder after the district loss to Greenwood on Nov. 1.
“After the Greenwood game, we spent a lot of time going back to the basics,” Defensive Coordinator John Richmond said. “We made sure that everyone was comfortable with where to line up and what their job was. We didn’t really have to ‘come back’ so much as shift our focus back to the small details.”
Senior safety Braden Bailey said he wanted to be better since it is his last year playing as an Indian.
“After the Greenwood game I knew this is my last year, keeping a level head and knowing there is more to football than just Greenwood,” Bailey said. “Staying in shape by strengthening and conditioning is something I need to work on.”
The Indians have history with Glen Rose, after falling to the Tigers in the region quarter finals last year.
“We didn’t know their plays,” junior wide receiver Logan McCormick said. “I am now more experienced on both sides of the ball. I have become a better player, and as a team, we have more confidence than last year.”
Richmond said the Glen Rose game will come down to defense.
“Our offense operates at a high level week in and week out,” Richmond said. “It is important for our defense to make Glen Rose uncomfortable by both limiting explosive plays and changing up our coverage. We must negate a shoot out and keep their offense out of the end zone when they get into the red zone.”
The Indians are sitting in ninth on the Harris poll in 4A.
“I think we know more of what it takes to compete with the elite teams in the state,” head Coach Greg Poynor said. “I also think we know that we are an elite team ourselves.”
Richmond said the Indians have a stronger understanding of how Glen Rose operates.
“It will be important to rotate all of our defensive lineman in order to stay fresh in the fourth quarter,” Richmond said. “We understand what types of adjustments will be needed to combat their up-tempo offense.”
Area tickets will be $6 for adults and $4 for students. The Indians will be the home team.
