At some point, football teams — at any level — have to take the field for a game that counts.
David Wagner understands this as much as any coach. The Winder-Barrow High School mentor, who is entering his third year with the Bulldoggs, will lead his team against Jackson County Comprehensive High School on the road Friday. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
“I believe we are ready,” Wagner said. “We still have a couple of injuries we hope to sort out by Friday. We are at the point though where we need to see if all our work has paid off. You put in so much time getting ready. I’m not sure any high school coach is ever 100 percent ready for the first game, but at some point you have to take that step onto the field.”
The Bulldoggs will debut a new offensive and defensive scheme this season. WBHS is moving to a triple option offensive attack and Stanley Allen, who has been on the coaching staff the last two years, will now direct the defense. Wagner, who was his own defensive coordinator in 2010 and 2011, is moving to the offensive side of things for the Bulldoggs.
There has been plenty of buzz coming from the Jackson County football camp as Panther supporters have been excited about the hiring of Benji Harrison by way of Flowery Branch High School.
“Yeah, it’s a big game for both teams,” Harrison said. “Obviously, I know Winder wants to get off to a good start, a fresh start this season with a lot of anticipation — so do we.”
Harrison is installing the passing system he used with great success while offensive coordinator with the Flowery Branch Falcons. Wagner said he expects Jackson County to use an 80-20 ratio when it comes to pass-run.
Allen said this Friday’s game will be a challenge for Winder-Barrow’s defense.
“Jackson County is better than some think, Allen said. “Their quarterback is pretty shifty and can throw the ball. They have a very good running back and several good receivers that will go get the ball. We must be on our toes to not let them get going. They love the zone read and the intermediate passing game. They will be no-huddle so we need to get them off the field quickly. A no-huddle attack can tire out a defense. I think if we just stay within ourselves and really get after the ball we will be right in there with them. I am sure they are ready to play a real game, but I know we are. We had a good week of practice last week and I expect nothing but a better one this week.”
With two non-region games to start the 2012 season, Wagner said it will be nice to renew some past rivalries.
During practice this week, Wagner said the coaching staff will look to fine tune things and be as prepared as possible for Friday night.
“I’d rather run three plays perfectly than run 60 and not be prepared for them,” the head coach said. “It’s been a great offseason in terms of work ethic and I know the players are eager to see all that hard work pay off on the field. Defensively, Jackson County will bring pressure on us and mix up their responsibilities.”
