FOOTBALL PREVIEW: Redskins hope to extend win streak

WILDCAT 

DEFENSE

Looking at stats for the Wildcats it is easy to assume Wapakoneta will be able to run the ball effectively against Bath. 

Bath has allowed over 190 yards per game on average on the ground over their first seven games, while the Redskins have averaged just over 180 for the season and over 265 in their last three outings. 

Last year Wapakoneta managed to move the ball on the ground well against Bath but the Wildcats still played a tough game forcing overtime in the 28-21 Redskin win. 

Wapakoneta’s head coach Travis Moyer spoke about last year’s game, “last year was a situation where we had to come from behind and had a late score and fortunately got the ball first and scored and got a turnover on defense,” said Moyer. 

Moyer added, “regardless of their record Bath teams are always going to play hard and it’s going to be a challenge for us to get prepared Monday through Thursday for us to go out there and play at a high level on Friday.”

WINLESS CATS

It is no secret that teams do not like to lose and certainly do not want to have a winless season. 

With Bath coming in looking for win one, Moyer understands he will get their best shot, “we tell our kids ‘expect the unexpected,’ obviously, they’re going to take chances, they’re going to throw the kitchen sink at us,” said Moyer. He would add, “we just have to go out there and take care of our own business and it’ll be important we get off to a really good start Friday and hopefully we can all three phases of the game going well early.”

WILDCAT 

OFFENSE

The Wildcats rank last in total offense in the WBL rankings as they have only picked up 168 yards a game. 

This will be something that the Redskins will look to take advantage of as Wapakoneta ranks first in total defense with 210 yards allowed per game. 

Despite these numbers Moyer is expecting a battle from the Bath offense, “they’ve played a couple of different kids at quarterback, we have to be prepared for multiple QBs and make sure guys responsible for stopping the run stop the run and guys responsible for stopping the pass stop the pass.”

Moyer also touched on some defensive miscues “I felt like we gave up some big plays last week and had some penalties that hurt us, we have to make sure we get to the ball and tackle in space.” 

The Redskins also have only forced four turnovers which was a point of emphasis for Moyer, “when we get an opportunity to get a turnover defensively we have to take advantage of that, that’s the one thing that’s been lacking on our defense.”

BACK AT HOME

The Redskins return home after three straight homecoming games with the last two coming at Kenton and Eldia.

Moyer spoke about being able to play at home again, “we love playing in front of our home crowd and I always felt like Wapakoneta is a special place on a Friday night and there’s no greater feeling than running out onto our field on a Friday night and having the support we have.”

SENIOR NIGHT

Wapakoneta will recognize 17 seniors Friday as their time in a Redskin football uniform starts to come to a close. 

Moyer spoke about hoping to have a good senior night for the 17 players, “that’s special, from that standpoint it’s good to be at home and hopefully, we can use that to our advantage and get this place rocking Friday night.”

STAYING 

UNBEATEN IN WBL PLAY

The Redskins sit alone at the top of the WBL standing currently with Van Wert and Celina close behind. 

The Redskins will play Celina in week nine following the game against Bath. 

Moyer has emphasized time and time again this year that goal one is the WBL championship and if the Redskins can win out that goal will have become a reality. 

FRIDAY

Bath may be winless on the season but with an away game in Wapakoneta that could change and for the Redskins their season goals are still ahead of them as they will look to continue their unbeaten streak in WBL play this year.

The game is set to kick off in Wapakoneta at 7 p.m. Friday.