(Post sponsored by Tinsley Title, Holt Wrecker, R&R lawn specialists, Gibson Pharmacy.)
In this week’s Hornet podcast, Michael Hannigan sits down with Coach Zac Harrell to talk about last week's scrimmage and Friday’s season opener against Henderson.
Wrapping Up Lindale
Coach Harrell said the Hornets showed progress in the scrimmage at Lindale last week. The offense connected on several deep passes after missing them the week before, and the offensive line handled a strong Lindale front. The defense made stops in key spots and played hard.
“Playing well in a scrimmage means you practiced well," Coach Harrell said. "It doesn't count on the win-loss record. It's just a scrimmage. We've got to make sure we continue to get better and continue to find areas that we must improve.”
The Hornets will face a tough test Friday when they open the season at home against the Henderson Lions.
Scouting Henderson
The Lions bring talent and experience, according to Coach Harrell, along with a new coaching staff with a winning pedigree.
“They've got a new coaching staff. They have a really good coach, Coach Ricky Meeks, who came over from Center. He was the head coach at Center,” Coach Harrell said.
The rest of the staff is also experienced, with coaches who have led successful programs across East Texas. Coach Harrell said the combination of athletic players and proven coaching makes Henderson a tough opening opponent.
“They're extremely talented," he said.
On defense, Henderson has a fast secondary, two strong outside linebackers, a Division I inside linebacker, and a quick defensive line. On offense, they spread receivers across the field and force defenses to choose between stopping the run or covering deep routes. Their running back is a veteran, and the wideouts are dangerous.
“They’re always one of the best programs in East Texas,” Coach Harrell said. “And they’re going to be really well coached.”
Keys to Victory
Word of the Week -- Together. Coach Harrell said the Hornets must play as one unit and put the team first.
1. Play the Next Play -- “When you play good teams, you know, they're going to make plays," said Coach Harrell, "and if you let one play beat you for the next play, you're probably going to lose the game.”
2. Be More Physical -- “We feel like they've got more players than we do playing both ways, so we want to try to wear them out,” said Coach Harrell.
3. Pressure the Quarterback -- “I think that's a big part of the game," said Coach Harrell. "Try to get as many legal hits on him as we can, get after him.”
4. Stay Together -- “We've got to be one unit, and we've got to love each other, and we've got to care for one another. And so we've got to do this thing together.”
5. Win Special Teams -- “It's always important, but especially early on, winning special teams," Coach Harrell said. "The only way to be really good at special teams Week 1 is it has to be important to you.”
Coach Harrell also said the Hornets always emphasize protecting the football and winning third downs.
“We chart third downs. We try to make third downs a priority offensively and defensively,” he said. “And then we also chart turnovers. We've got to win the turnover battle.”
This Week
* Friday, Aug. 29 – Athens vs. Henderson, 7:30 p.m., Bruce Field.
