IRA — After three straight road games, the Ira Bulldogs are ready to play at home.
The Bulldogs (3-0), who moved up to No. 8 in the latest sixmanfootball.com Division I poll, will host No. 22 Robert Lee (2-1) at 7:30 p.m. Friday.
“It’s not a big issue with the coaches, but it is to the players,” head coach Toby Goodwin said. “I believe playing at home will be a factor in our favor.”
Ira, known for its running game, scored three touchdowns against Ropes through the air. Running back Ramiro Rios completed 2-of-5 passes for 70 yards and two touchdowns. Rios also ran for 125 yards. Quarterback Hunter Cotton completed 4-of-12 passes for 60 yards and one touchdown.
After a season-opening loss to Bronte, Robert Lee defeated Paint Rock and Rising Star. Austin Fowler is the leader of the Longhorn offense.
“Robert Lee is senior-laden team and have high expectations,” Goodwin said. “They run the spread offense and do it effectively. When a team runs that offense well, it can be difficult to control. It’s going to be important that we keep a close eye on that one back (Fowler).”
Goodwin also said that Robert Lee plays good defense.
“The defense plays aggressively and comes right at you,” he said. “They are similar in philosophy to the defenses that we faced in the first three games.”
For Ira, Rios has been the featured back and has rushed for 558 yards this season. An injury to Kaven Dillard forced Rios to play the entire game the past two weeks. Dillard missed last week’s game because of a sprained ankle and is listed as questionable for Friday’s game.
“I told Ramiro this week that we are working to find someone to give him a break,” Goodwin said. “I’m proud of the way that he has played so far this year. One of the keys to last week’s game was the players never quitting. They kept battling.”
Goodwin credited the front line for Rios’ success. Boocker Brasuel and Anthony Sosa are the ends and Austin Rollins is the center.
“Boocker never played at end before this year,” Goodwin said. “He was willing to do what helps the team. We need to keep that attitude.”
The defense, which is allowing 23 points per game, also received credit for the 3-0 start.
“I’m pleased with the defense and they held Ropes strong,” Goodwin said. “They are a good group of players.”
Goodwin believes Ira can maintain its winning ways, but Friday’s game will be tough.
“We need to control the ball and keep Robert Lee’s defense on the field,” Goodwin said. “Our spread rush will be one of the keys to success. We must play with discipline on defense.”
Hermleigh at Motley County
HERMLEIGH — The Hermleigh Cardinals are looking to claim a third straight victory, but it is not expected to come easy against Motley County in Matador.
Hermleigh, No. 24 in the latest rankings, defeated New Home and Lueders-Avoca, but head coach Shane Mallory expects a challenge from the Matadors, which is No. 5 in the Division II poll.
“Motley County is a very good team,” Mallory said. “They won’t be an easy out. I’m hoping we can do things right and have a chance to win. We won’t see much spread offense because Motley County prefers power runs behind a big line.”
Mallory said the Hermleigh defensive line will line up against players weighing 200 to 250 pounds.
“We are going to be at a disadvantage in size,” he said. “They like to put the bigger backs in the backfield and run behind that line. They will be a challenge for the defense.”
Mallory said the Cardinals will be without Dylan Sorrells for the second straight game.
“He’s one of our bigger guys on the line,” Mallory said.
Mallory said the team played well the past two weeks.
“Our effort has improved in the past two games,” he said. “We blocked and tackled better and played more at full speed without thinking of what we need to do.”
Mallory said if the game is low scoring, that will work to Hermleigh’s advantage.
“We don’t want to get into a scoring match with them,” he said. “I believe in defense and we don’t want to get in a game when we have to outscore teams. Our motto is to play good defense.”