Players stepping up for Wildcats
EL DORADO - El Dorado football coach Scott Reed was asked for an injury report after practice on Tuesday.
“We got a few guys that are hobbled, right now. Hopefully, they’ll be able to go by Friday,” he said.
That’s probably a typical report for teams going into the fourth week of the season. For the Wildcats, however, it’s almost a cause for celebration. It’s the first week since the season opener El Dorado isn’t replacing an injured starter.
When reminded of that, Reed said, “I hope that will continue. We’ll see.”
El Dorado lost junior defensive tackle Terry Hampton to an appendicitis the Sunday after the season opener. Junior cornerback Kameron Buie broke his leg in Game 2 against Cabot.
“This group appears to be mature and pretty resilient. We’ve had some tough blows, especially before and during week two,” said Reed. “Three guys that we were expecting major minutes, a lot of play out of that were unavailable. But, they didn’t miss a beat and played extremely hard against Cabot until the end. I thought we got better as the game went on last week.
“The other good thing is, some of those guys, we’re going to get back. We’re going to have more depth because we’re going to have kids that have played a bunch of ball games.”
Hampton and Buie will likely both be lost for the regular season. In the meantime, their backups were thrown into the Friday night fire. Steadman Steward has replaced Buie at corner with Deon Smith and Gavin Heustis stepping up on the defensive line.
“Steadman is very competitive. He’s quick. He moves well. He’s not real big but he will go throw himself in the middle of it in a heartbeat. He doesn’t hesitate. I like that about him. He’s aggressive. He played very well last Friday. I’m very proud of his play,” said Reed. “Deon Smith and Gavin Heustis at defensive tackle, both of those guys played well.
“We’ve had a lot of guys before the season started that we weren’t expecting to play as much as they have. But, I think the other kids are confident in them. They’ve played well. They’ve competed hard. They’re not overwhelmed at all. You can tell they’ve been waiting for an opportunity. I’m pleased with that group and the way they’ve stepped up.”
Offensively, the Wildcats have started two new faces at right tackle.
“I’m pleased with both of our sophomore tackles - Alex Boone and Jeremy Boone. I thought they both did good things. They’re pushing each other,” said Reed. “We also worked out our sophomore center today in Wanya Archie. (Garrett) Trostle is moving a little slow, right now. We’ve had a number of young guys step up.”
Speaking of stepping up, on one play last Friday at Magnolia, junior quarterback Darius Holly had his helmet dislodged. A facemask penalty was called on the Panthers and Holly didn’t have to leave the game for a play, which is normally the rule when a player loses his helmet.
But, with Jackson Waldrum no longer on the team, who is the backup quarterback - sophomore Wanya Frazier or senior punter/kicker Brennan Claypoole?
“It matters the situation,” Reed answered. “I want to get Wanya Frazier in when I can. But, Brennan has played a lot more. So, it’ll be a situational deal.”
The Wildcats prepared Tuesday for their conference opener at Lake Hamilton. The Wolves are 1-2 on the season and present unique problems in preparation.
“Practice was really good today. I think our guys are picking it up - the game plan, the movement and the focus was very good today,” said Reed. “We have a lot to work on this week. They’re totally different from us on both sides of the ball. Defensively, they’re a lot different from the way we play. Offensively, they’re like Magnolia, a double-slot team. We’re having a lot of scout team work this week - a lot of formation and play recognition and assignments. We’re spending a lot of time picking up blitzes and stunt movements they do defensively. It’s a lot of working and teaching and film study. But, today was good.”