Depth a concern for Winston Academy's Greening

Coach Andy Greening sees this as a tough stretch of the schedule for his Winston

Academy Patriots.

It started with Indianola

Academy two week ago and continues on Friday night against Starkville Academy.

With such a gauntlet to face, Greening admits depth could become a factor for his Patriots.

“The numbers game is getting us,” Greening told

Louisville's WLSM-FM last week. “We don't have as many players. In the second half, we get wore down, but that's something we've got to overcome and keep plugging.”

Winston Academy has a 2-3 record in the first half of the season. After starting with two victories over Newton Academy 14-0 and Sylva Bay Academy 27-6, the Patriots fell to Copiah Academy 35-14, Indianola Academy 37-7 and East Rankin Academy 49-14.

Starkville Academy coach Chase Nicholson doesn't know too much about what Winston Academy has done lately. He just remembers being in a tight game last year before his 7 p.m., WLZA-FM 96.1 Vols came away with a 14-12 victory.

“They were pretty physical,” Nicholson said. “They gave us everything we wanted last year. It's always a good football team and coach Greening gets them going. They've got a good running back and some good skilled guys.

“We've got to do our normal thing. We've got to play a great game and we have to do what we do, or they are a team that can come in here and beat you.”

Greening has been pleased with the front four linemen on defense and the progress of his sophomore quarterback Luke Dempsey.

It can be a difficult adjustment for a young signal caller and Greening knows Dempsey will be taking some lumps early in his career.

“Anytime you start a sophomore quarterback, there are going to be some growing pains,” Greening said. “He had that thumb injury and missed a game and missed part of another game. He's really a little bit behind the eight ball there. I thought he stepped up and threw the ball a lot better (against East Rankin Academy).”

With the start of district play, Greening knows Dempsey and the Patriots will have to throw the football.

“We're not going to line up and throw it 90 yards down the field, but we've got to dink and dunk and throw a 5-yard out,” Greening said. “We've got to be able to compete those in crucial situations.”

Starkville Academy hosts Winston Academy at J.E. Logan Field. The kickoff is set for 7 p.m.