Matt Tillson
The Duncan Banner
CENTRAL HIGH —
Coming off of a 3-7 finish last season, the Central High Bronchos are prepared to start the 2010 campaign on the right foot when they travel to Mountain View-Gotebo Friday night.
First year head coach Colin Watkins said that he and his team have been waiting for this game for most of the off-season.
“It is Week 1 and we are excited and we know that they will be excited as well,” Watkins said. “It is their first home game and the last time we played them at their place they beat us pretty bad (52-6). We beat them last year though (58-36), so it is really anyone’s ballgame.”
Watkins noted that for his team to win, he will be relying on each and every one of his players to do their jobs and execute on every play.
“When we had our first scrimmage we gave up some big plays and it was a good reminder for us of what we needed to work on,” Watkins said. “What happened last year is that we would have one player trying to do their own thing and it hurts us. It is going to take all eight on both sides of the ball for us to get the job done. Nobody can take a play off.”
Two of Central High’s offensive weapons, quarterback Kyler Newton and tailback Ashton Wright, were held out of the last scrimmage because of injuries. Watkins said that he plans on having both players back for the game on Friday.
“Kyler and Ashton are both back from their injuries and should be at about 80 percent for the game,” Watkins said. “Both of those guys are important to our offense, so need them to be ready to play on Friday.”
Other offensive weapons that Watkins will be leaning on will be the sure hands of senior wide receiver Jeremy Russell and senior fullback Craig Bernard.
“Craig has been starting at fullback for us since I’ve been here,” Watkins said. “He will be a big part of our running game, as Jeremy will be a big part for us in the receiving game.”
Scoring touchdowns came fairly easy to the Broncho. In last year’s meeting against the Tigers, however, they had some difficulty on the defensive side of the ball. Watkins said that the Bronchos have been working hard on defense this preseason.
“We have worked on our defense a lot through the off-season,” Watkins said. “We look at our personnel and who is going to lineup best against what they do.”
After watching film Watkins said that Mt. View-Gotebo uses a lot of misdirection plays and that is something that his team will have to be ready for.
“When they run anything with misdirection, we are going to have to have some of our players stay at home and be ready for it,” Watkins said. “We cannot have guys chasing after others and give up big plays.”
— Matt Tillson is a reporter for the Duncan Banner. He can be reached at 580-255-5354 Ext. 143 or via e-mail at matt.tillson@duncanbanner.com.
