The Weatherford Kangaroos want to put last week’s game as far behind them as possible and will get the chance to do so during their homecoming game against Arlington Sam Houston.
The Texans are 3-1 on the season, winning all three of their pre-district games against North Mesquite, Everman, and Cleburne by a combined score of 115-34. Those schools’ records are also 2-10 and last week Sam Houston lost its district opener against a solid Arlington team 37-15.
Still, that does not mean this is a team the Roos can take lightly, especially in the wake of last week’s 60-17 loss against Arlington Martin.
“I came out to practice on edge because I think we need to all be a little bit more on edge,” Williams said. “I’m not some kind of phycology major, but my team needs to feel the importance of this week’s preparation.”
Williams describes Sam Houston’s strength on defense being its defensive line, describing them as having great length. Running a 4-2 defensive front, it will test Weatherford’s offensive line and ability to run the football, which is an aspect the Roos have hung their hats in every game this season so far regardless of result.
While Williams singled out safety Chaunce Price as possibly the best player on the Texans defense, he does think Sam Houston’s secondary is an aspect his offense has to have success against after struggling last week.
“Martin played some zone against us and we went right down and scored,” Williams said. “After that they played a lot of man coverage and the only way to beat that is to run the football against it or beat them deep.”
While getting the ball to playmakers D.J. Quimby and Jakob Hemphill is always a priority for Weatherford’s offense, Williams knows the supporting cast has more to give than what they have shown so far this season.
“We really have to get all of our receivers involved,” Williams said. “It can’t just be the D.J. show or Jakob show. I feel confident we have to make them defend the field sideline to sideline and I think we have the guys to do that with our pass game. We are going to have to throw it for sure.”
Offensively, the Texans line up in a lot of two tight end and one tight end sets despite usually being in shotgun. This heavy look means Sam Houston wants to run the ball with running back Jokory Melbourne or quarterback Carmello Stokes. Tavorian Bell has also taken some snaps to run the ball and is a weapon at receiver.
“They are going to throw it deep some, throw some quick game, and they are going to run the football,” Williams said.
With Weatherford having hopes to fight for a playoff spot, every game matters for the Roos. This is a winnable game for the team, but it is far from one that will be given to them.
“I know Sam Houston has been down, but they are going to get off the bus looking pretty good,” Williams said.
Along with what a win does for the district standings it could also be a boost in morale after such a one-sided loss to Martin.
“We are kind of ready to get the bad taste out of our mouths,” Williams said. “You have to wait a whole week to do it.”
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