Scoop27
09-22-2016, 12:11 PM
WEST COLUMBIA — After a month of nondistrict play, the Columbia Roughnecks have to like where they’re at, boasting a 3-1 record heading into District 12-4A D-I play.
One thing Columbia head coach Brent Mascheck really likes, however, is his team's ability to work as one. He believes it has led to his team's early success.
"Everybody is really doing their job and that has been key to our success so far," Mascheck said. "On offense, defense and on special teams, it has been a total team effort. So I've been pleased with the team because of it."
Columbia heads to the 7:30 p.m. showdown on Friday against a 4-0 El Campo squad at Ricebird Stadium.
The Ricebirds are coming off a dramatic 32-28 win over Wharton last week and will present the ’Necks with arguably their toughest challenge to date.
El Campo’s offense has been a consistent one, averaging 356 yards and 34 points per game and it starts under center with quarterback Brock Brandl.
Brandl’s numbers aren’t gaudy as he has only passed for 414 yards on 23-of-41 passing this season, but he has tossed six touchdowns and most importantly, has not thrown an interception. He also has rushed for another three scores.
Aaron Bide and Wesley Arrambide have been Brandl's top two targets. Arrambide has hauled in seven catches for 155 yards and a score, while Bide has six catches and three touchdowns.
On the ground, running backs Dedrick Holloway and Neri Enriquez have been the workhorses. Holloway leads the team with 327 yards rushing on 51 carries and four touchdowns. Enriquez has run for 223 on 42 carries, finding the end zone three times.
Even with a high hurdle in front of them, the 'Necks remain confident.
“Our expectation is to go over there and win the football game,” Mascheck said. “We’ve had two good days of practice and we’re ready to go. El Campo is a very good football team and they play very well at their place. Our expectations is to go over there, play a good football game and win in the fourth quarter.”
Defensively, the 'Necks should be confident, as they have held opponents to less than 200 yards of offense per game on average.
Columbia's offense which is allowing 302 yards of offense to opponents. Columbia's offense is averaging 320 yards per game.
Their bread and butter has been the ground game, led by running back Saylaion Dunlap's 422 yards and five touchdowns this year.
"The thing I have been most proud of is that we haven't turned the ball over much," Mascheck said. "Our running game has been good and our passing game has been picking up. We're still learning the new concepts and things that we're doing, but I'm pleased with where we're at … we're peaking at the right time."
The Ricebirds have controlled the series leading it 34-13 including last year's 49-8 win at Griggs Field.
One thing Columbia head coach Brent Mascheck really likes, however, is his team's ability to work as one. He believes it has led to his team's early success.
"Everybody is really doing their job and that has been key to our success so far," Mascheck said. "On offense, defense and on special teams, it has been a total team effort. So I've been pleased with the team because of it."
Columbia heads to the 7:30 p.m. showdown on Friday against a 4-0 El Campo squad at Ricebird Stadium.
The Ricebirds are coming off a dramatic 32-28 win over Wharton last week and will present the ’Necks with arguably their toughest challenge to date.
El Campo’s offense has been a consistent one, averaging 356 yards and 34 points per game and it starts under center with quarterback Brock Brandl.
Brandl’s numbers aren’t gaudy as he has only passed for 414 yards on 23-of-41 passing this season, but he has tossed six touchdowns and most importantly, has not thrown an interception. He also has rushed for another three scores.
Aaron Bide and Wesley Arrambide have been Brandl's top two targets. Arrambide has hauled in seven catches for 155 yards and a score, while Bide has six catches and three touchdowns.
On the ground, running backs Dedrick Holloway and Neri Enriquez have been the workhorses. Holloway leads the team with 327 yards rushing on 51 carries and four touchdowns. Enriquez has run for 223 on 42 carries, finding the end zone three times.
Even with a high hurdle in front of them, the 'Necks remain confident.
“Our expectation is to go over there and win the football game,” Mascheck said. “We’ve had two good days of practice and we’re ready to go. El Campo is a very good football team and they play very well at their place. Our expectations is to go over there, play a good football game and win in the fourth quarter.”
Defensively, the 'Necks should be confident, as they have held opponents to less than 200 yards of offense per game on average.
Columbia's offense which is allowing 302 yards of offense to opponents. Columbia's offense is averaging 320 yards per game.
Their bread and butter has been the ground game, led by running back Saylaion Dunlap's 422 yards and five touchdowns this year.
"The thing I have been most proud of is that we haven't turned the ball over much," Mascheck said. "Our running game has been good and our passing game has been picking up. We're still learning the new concepts and things that we're doing, but I'm pleased with where we're at … we're peaking at the right time."
The Ricebirds have controlled the series leading it 34-13 including last year's 49-8 win at Griggs Field.