WEEK 8 PREVIEW: Massac County (0-7)(0-4) at West Frankfort (4-3)(2-2)

by Steve Dunford

The West Frankfort Redbirds (4-3) and (2-1) in the Southern Illinois River to River close out conference play by facing the winless Massac County Patriots.  It is Senior Night and Black Out Night for the Redbirds.

I asked West Frankfort Coach Brian Beery for a few thoughts on his seniors. “This year’s seniors have been a pleasure to coach. They have battled through injuries and have played hard nosed football over the past four years. They played a support role last year when we made the playoffs for the first time in nine years, and this year have combined well with our Juniors and Sophomores to put together some nice wins. ” 

This is what Coach Beery had to say about tonight’s matchup with Massac County. “Massac’s offense has the ability to score points quickly. They have a tall, strong-armed QB (Mason Corzine), that also has the ability to run the ball. Their receiving core is lead by 6’5” Isaiah Thompson that can catch the “jump ball” and make catches in clutch situations. Their running game is lead by a hard-nosed sophomore, Blake Baird that is low to the ground and is hard to tackle. Defensively we will have to do a better job defending the pass, while boxing in their QB and running back.”

Here is what Massac County coach John Warren said about tonight’s matchup with the Redbirds, “ I know we came up on the lower side of the score last week, but I thought we had really played a good first half. With two games remaining, we are really putting our focus on putting those 4 quarters together and seeing what the end result might be. We told the kids this week that we were proud of their toughness and ability to battle when the odds were far off. This week will be no different, another quality R2R team that needs this win to keep their playoff picture open.”

“With that being said, I know emotions will be high on their side. We have to match that intensity and then some to try and steal some of that energy. Like in any league, momentum carries a lot of weight. We would love to play with a lead instead of trying to mount a comeback every week. I haven’t done a good job of getting our offense to help out our defense. This week our focus remains on trying to establish a run game to be able to control the clock, have a close game at the end and be able to steal one on the road.”

I did not realize that Isaiah Thompson was still in high school.  It seems like he has been playing basketball for Joe Hosman for years.

The Redbirds hold their own destiny in their hands.  The have two winnable games in front of them, and they will be playing in week 10.  In a rebuilding year, being in contention for a playoff birth means there will be some good times over the next couple of years in West Frankfort.

I am going with the Redbirds by 14 and a third place finish in the Ohio division.