Hokes Bluff (0-5, 0-3) at Cleburne Co. (4-1, 2-1)
Last week’s results: Glencoe 40, Hokes Bluff 20; Cleburne County 51, St. Clair County 21
2012 meeting: Cleburne County 16, Hokes Bluff 13
Series record: Cleburne County leads 4-2
By Gene Stanley/Sports Correspondent
Still in search of its first victory of 2013, Hokes Bluff will try its hand at Class 4A, Region 5 foe Cleburne County, a team very similar to the Eagles in the way it lines up and the offensive schemes it runs.
The Tigers run mostly one-back sets, something that Hokes Bluff has had a bit of luck against this year.
“We have had more luck against one-back sets, until last week,” coach Mike Robertson said. “We were in position a lot last week but missed tackles. If you repeatedly get your arms on someone and don’t put him on the ground, it’s hard to win.”
Robertson said that if a player gets past his defensive line of scrimmage and linebackers, it’s almost a sure touchdown.
“We don’t give up 10- or 12-yard plays there,” he said. “They break free for big runs and that’s not because our kids aren’t trying. When their back runs a 4.7 and your defensive back runs a 5.0, it’s tough to catch up with them for a medium gain.
“It’s frustrating and when that’s the case, it magnifies your other mistakes, like missing the tackle at the line of scrimmage.”
Last week against Glencoe, Cole Williams was 6-of-14 in passing for 166 yards, while Phillip Ward had four catches for 148 yards.
Chase Beggs paced the Eagles on the ground with 70 yards on 21 attempts.
Noah Click had 14 tackles, while Chase Pope had 10.