Wylie vs Vernon article

from the Abilene Reporter News

Vernon, Wylie see similar threats
By Jason Weddle / Reporter-News Staff Writer
September 16, 2005

A week after a statement road win at Aledo, Wylie will look to start the season a perfect four-for-four tonight when it welcomes the Vernon Lions to Bulldog Stadium.

Vernon, a perennial playoff team from District 5-3A, comes into the game having lost its last two contests after an opening night win against Springtown. The Lions have stumbled out of the gates, but facing two 4A schools in the early going is something that coach Keith Hall hopes will pay off once district play rolls around.

''I think these kids are coming around,'' Hall said. ''They just have to keep their heads up through this stretch.''

Having faced such stout competition early, Wylie is making sure not to overlook a team that is likely much better than its 1-2 record indicates. Priority No. 1 for the Bulldogs is containing Vernon's speedy running attack, led by senior Chris Zamora.

''Obviously, they run the ball well,'' Wylie coach Hugh Sandifer said. ''Their tailback has 44 carries over the last two games, so they like getting the ball to No. 20.''

Like most teams that run the ball well, Vernon focuses its defensive efforts on stopping the opposing running attack. And while Wylie's defense will be on the look out for Zamora, the Bulldogs won't be the only team on the field tonight keeping an eye on No. 20.

Hall's biggest headache will be slowing the Bulldogs' Gary Edwards. Unlike Vernon's version of No. 20, Edwards poses multiple threats as he has reached the end zone on running and receiving plays.

''We have always tried to make teams one-dimensional by stopping the run,'' the Vernon coach said. ''The big thing for us is being aware of where Edwards is. We have to know when he is in the game and where he is at and do everything we can to stop him from making the big play.''

Hall's concerns are more than legitimate, as Edwards' four touchdowns this season have come from an average of 27 yards. The junior has yet to score from inside the 10-yard line this season.

The Lions will be focused on containing Edwards, but don't expect them to forget about Wylie quarterback Case Keenum, who accounted for a touchdown through the air and on the ground in the Bulldogs' 23-13 win at Vernon last season.

''Their quarterback makes them go,'' Hall said. ''He plays smart and doesn't put them in the bind and he can run and pass it really well.''

Vernon will line up primarily in an I-formation, where quarterback William Miller, like Keenum, is a dual-threat to run and pass the ball. Though Vernon lives and dies with the run, Hall is worried about the level of success the Lions will have doing so against the Wylie defense.

''We're going to run the ball like always, but we have to block No. 54 (Jared Robertson),'' Hall said. ''He puts you in a bind because you have to put two (blockers) on him and he still disrupts everything.''

Much in the same way each team is concerned about the other's No. 20, Wylie is just as worried about Vernon's nose guard as the Lions are with Robertson - and rightfully so.

Wylie center Luis Gonzalez will be concerned with more than just snapping the ball this week, as he will be locking eyes with one of the most imposing players the Bulldogs will face this, or any, season. Gonzalez, who weighs a solid 230 lbs., will be giving up more than 100 pounds to Vernon's 343 lb. nose guard Jose Lopez.

Nose guard isn't the Bulldogs' only concern on the Vernon defense. The Lions boast a solid duo of senior linebackers in Caul Craighead and William Hall.

''They play good defense,'' Sandifer said. ''They're big - 345 at nose guard and their linebackers are 220 and 200 lbs., so they are a big and physical team and I think that's why they tend to play pretty hard-nosed football.''

Eighth-ranked Wylie's first home game since Aug. 26 kicks off at 7:30 from Bulldog Stadium and will be broadcast live on KXHS 102.7 FM.

Wylie vs. Vernon

When: 7:30 p.m. today

Where: Bulldog Stadium at Wylie High School

Records: Vernon 1-2, Wylie 3-0

On air: KXHS 102.7 FM.

Our pick - Wylie: The Bulldogs are on a roll and, imposing as Vernon may seem, the Lions don't look to match up overall against Wylie.

Contact sports writer Jason Weddle at weddlej@reporternews.com or 676-6771.

Good Article. Thanks!