Ira will host Ackerly Sands Friday

IRA — After Ira answered the challenge against Happy, head coach Toby Goodwin hopes for another positive performance against Ackerly Sands in a non-district football game at 7:30 p.m. Friday.
Ira, which defeated Happy 41-32 on Saturday, is ranked 13th in the latest www.sixmanfootball.com Class 1A Division I poll. Sands lost to No. 7 Balmorhea, 50-0.
While playing in 100-degree heat, Ira held Happy to 239 total yards.
“The conditions (heat) were difficult and the players played with mental toughness,” Goodwin said. “It was a very big win against a quality team. The game told us where we are and we gained conference.”
Ira’s Anthony Coy rushed for 180 yards and two touchdowns while Nathan Goodwin completed 3-of-4 passes for 100 yards and two touchdowns.
“Nathan showed that all of the work during the summer paid off,” Goodwin said. “He has a stronger arm. We played a good all-around game. The success of the running game comes from good blocking on the front line.”
Goodwin said the Sands’ passing game will challenge Ira’s defense.
“Sands is a quality team and likes to spread the field and use a lot of misdirection plays,” Goodwin said. “You have to stay in position on defense. You must cover all of the receivers because they like to throw short and deep. The defense needs to play sound. If we do that, everything will be OK. If we don’t, it could be a long game.”
Goodwin said Carter Roberson made a big difference on the defensive front in the opener.
“He allowed us to utilize other players at different positions,” Goodwin said. “Carter made a difference.”
Goodwin said his team still needs to improve each week.
“We must execute on offense and defense,” he said. “We had two turnovers against Happy and missed getting a couple of turnovers on defense.”