Liberty-eylau faces off against Gilmer at Harris Field in district game
TEXARKANA, Texas — Libertyeylau is looking to earn its first district win.
The Leopards (1-4, 0-1) play host to Gilmer (3-3, 0-1) — which lost its state ranking in last week’s loss to Pleasant Grove — in a District 7-4A battle at Harris Field at 7:30 p.m.
Liberty-eylau is coming off a gutwrenching 34-28 double overtime loss to Spring Hill in its district opener, and the Buckeyes were rolled by No. 3 Pleasant Grove, 63-28, on Oct. 6.
“Gilmer has played a tough schedule and have given up a lot of points,” Leopards’ head coach Dewaski Davis said. “They have played good teams. They are big up front and are athletic on offense and defense.”
The Buckeyes have also scored a lot of points.
The Leopards are giving up 31.6 points per contest and scoring an average of 22.4, while Gilmer is allowing an average of 52.7 points per game and are scoring 48.0 per outing on average.
“The number one thing for us is that we have to have ball control,” Davis said. “We want to have sustained drives in order to keep their offense off the field. We will have to move the ball and not turn the ball over. We will also look to limit their explosive plays.”
Greg London has been an offensive force for Liberty-eylau this season. Known for his hardnosed runs, London excels at gaining positive yardage after the contact. London rushed for 103 yards on 21 carries and two touchdowns.
Quarterback Britain Pipes ran for a TD, rushed in a 2-point conversion and threw for 109 yards on 7-of-15 passing with an interception. The pick came on a desperation throw on fourth down after Pipes was rushed out of the pocket.
The Leopards look to get back to winning in order to stay up in the district standings. Liberty-eylau will face adversity as some of its players are ailing.
“The kids are responding well. We are pretty banged up,” Davis said. “We are going to keep pushing forward and continue to buckle down.”