West Frankfort (2-1) at Harrisburg (2-1)

by Steve Dunford

The West Frankfort Redbirds open Ohio division play tonight against the Harrisburg Bulldogs.

The Redbirds were on the road last week and beat Sparta, 33-16.  The Bulldogs picked up their second win of the season, 21-14 over Boonville, IN.  It was their second win in three weeks from a team from the Big 8 Conference, which is made up of Indiana schools except Mt. Carmel.

Here is what West Frankfort Coach Brian Beery had to say about the Bulldogs coming into tonight’s matchup, “Harrisburg is a very good football team. They have depth, and some very good running backs. Defensively we will have to contain speed backs, and stop #44 (Jordan Bartok)  in the middle. I expect this to be a very physical game, and the team that is the most physical will win, plain and simple.”

I spoke to new Harrisburg Coach Gabe Angelly had to say about facing the Redbirds tonight.  He is a long time assistant that took over after long-time Harrisburg Coach Al Way ended his third tour of duty with the Bulldogs.  He said, “(West Frankfort QB) Connor Eaton is a tough kid, and creates a lot of opportunities for them. We will have to play well to contain him. 

He also said with Bartok, that Hunter Smith and Carl Russ are their biggest threats in the backfield.  He also mentioned how Chandler Bowling and Hunter Jackson has stepped up on the defensive end.   He also said that two sophomores, QB Isaac Crabb and RB Carl Russ are maturing more every game.

I watched film this week from Harrisburg’s week one game with Mt. Carmel.  The Bulldogs have four very good linebackers in Jackson, Bartok, Kent Cletcher, and Presley Gauch.  This might cause the Redbirds some problems tonight with their running game.

I know there could be some changes since week one, but Mt. Carmel had a tough time on the ground, but when they went to the air in the second half, that could be the weak link.

Eaton has been hooking up more and more with WR’s Kyle Hammers and Mason Clay.  For the Redbirds to stay with the ball game, they will have to throw the football.

The win over Harrisburg last year was a turn around to the program for the Redbirds.  I expect a very close hard fought game.  I am going to be rooting hard for WF tonight, but I have to go with the Bulldogs at home by seven.