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Snyder linebacker Daniel Drake (15) and defensive tackle Sean Humphrey (71) take a break on the sidelines during last week’s game against Monahans.
Coming off the first loss of the season, Snyder head coach James Polk looks to learn the heart of his team against Sweetwater.
The Tigers and Mustangs will meet for 66th time at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Tiger Stadium. Sweetwater leads the series 38-26-1.
Snyder is hoping to build momentum prior to the district schedule. The Tigers had four turnovers — three fumbles and an interception — in last week’s 41-27 loss to Monahans. Three of the four turnovers led to touchdowns.
Polk said Friday’s game will show the staff where the team stands.
“We will find out what kind of team we have after this week,” Polk said. “The game will give us a better idea of where we are mentally and physically as a team before we make that final push. It’s a big week because I want to see how we will respond after a loss and if we will come out fighting and mentally ready to play. We will learn what needs to be fixed before starting district.”
No. 10 Sweetwater (3-0) moved into the Associated Press rankings after last week’s 22-7 victory at Breckenridge. The Mustangs defeated Lubbock High School in the season opener and Muleshoe at home.
Head coach Shane Mobley believes last year’s success carried over into 2015.
“We had a breakout season last year that led to team unity and a new sense of expectations,” Mobley said. “The underclassmen were the key to our success. It’s a rivalry game, but we don’t hype it up like that to the players. We try and focus on playing a game. I know Snyder will be a tough game. They handed it to us two years ago there (a 41-14 loss).”
The Tigers will be without Jose Juarez, who Polk described as the team’s best all-around athlete, until October. Juarez was injured during the first quarter against Monahans.
“Jose may be out three to four weeks, but we have to make plans to move on,” Polk said. “He can play safety, linebacker, cornerback, running back, quarterback or receiver. He can do it all.”
Max Gomez and Chris Thompson have shared quarterbacking duties for the Mustangs. Gomez has completed 30-of-42 passes for 460 yards and six touchdowns. Thompson is 22-of-39 for 313 yards and two touchdowns.
Polk said the two quarterbacks are similar and won’t affect how the Snyder defense will play.
“One quarterback better understands what they want to do on offense and the other may be a better athlete,” Polk said. “They have gone with the players who have had the hot hand. I prefer just playing one quarterback, but it works for them.”
Michael Lawrence leads Sweetwater in receiving with 24 catches for 374 yards and seven touchdowns.
“Lawrence is the No. 1 weapon and runs good routes,” Polk said. “He is starting for the third year and is a good athlete.”
Polk said the key for the Snyder defense is getting off the field after third down.
“Third-and-long situations are eating us up,” Polk said. “We need to get off the field. Sometimes it’s better if it is third-and-short. We’ve been stressing all week about getting off the field on third down.”
While Sweetwater offense has received most of the headlines, Polk said the Mustangs have a good defense.
“The defense is not big, but fast,” he said. “They have got a lot of returning players on defense.”
Mobley said Snyder will challenge the Sweetwater defense. Logan Tate has passed for 747 yards and six touchdowns while rushing for 195 yards and two touchdowns. Abram Smith leads the Tigers in receiving with 14 catches for 217 yards and two touchdowns.
“The offensive line is huge for Snyder,” Mobley said. “Tate can run and is also dangerous throwing the ball. We will try to make him more one dimensional. Smith and (Taylor) Munkres are good receivers. We will need to do a good job of containing them.”
Polk said the Tigers’ offense is struggling on converting third downs, including 2-of-10 against Monahans.
“Converting only 20 percent on third down is not good,” Polk said. “We scored on big plays, but we need to be better on third down. I would love to see us around 70 percent.”
Polk said the key to a victory will be how the Tigers take advantage of opportunities.
“We need to take advantage of our opportunities when in scoring position,” he said. “We prefer to score touchdowns, but we have got a good kicker and can kick field goals.”