Series record: Sand Rock 16, West End 3
Last meeting: 2009 Sand Rock 23, West End 21
Last week: Section 28, West End 6; Westbrook 31, Sand Rock 20
By Gene Stanley/Messenger Sports Correspondent
West End is playing for pride at this point, and nothing would make the Patriot patrons happier than to upend Class 2A, Region 7 rival Sand Rock on Friday.
That’s nothing against Sand Rock.
The denizens of Altoona and Walnut Grove just want a victory.
Yet coach Randy Hallmark is more concerned right now about improvement.
“We’re showing improvement, but not on a consistent basis,” he said. “Part of the problem is still with injuries. We’re low enough on players that if one guy gets hurt, we have to move two or three around to fill the hole. Then they’re playing in positions they’re not used to.”
That’s a problem that he hopes won’t be as bad next season, as he wants to concentrate on getting athletes out during the offseason.
Sand Rock comes in still trying to qualify for the 2A playoffs and Hallmark expects a physical battle.
“They’re your typical Sand Rock team,” he said. “They’re hard-hitting on defense and will run the ball right at you.
“But they’re spreading it out more this year than in the past. They’ve got a big quarterback with a good arm and are taking advantage of that.”
Hunter Demedicis scored West End’s lone touchdown last week against Section.