Advertisement

Pigskin preview: Three keys to victory for Zephyrhills

 
Published Sept. 12, 2014

Zephyrhills has beaten two teams that went a combined 1-19 last season. Things get tougher tonight against Mitchell, which is 2-0 for the sixth straight season. There will be bigger games for both teams down the road. But for now, tonight is big. "I think this is one of the better teams that we will play," Bulldogs coach Reggie Roberts said. "I don't want to say it's not a statement game … but it's important."

1. Bulld(dog) Rush

Two big moves since Zephyrhills' 28-24 preseason loss to Land O'Lakes — 350-pound defensive tackle Quintan Foster moving to right guard and Blake transfer and right tackle Jonah Thomas (6-5, 280) passing through the transfer committee and becoming eligible — have yielded high returns. The Bulldogs have rushed for 832 yards in two games, best in Tampa Bay, and Jaylen Pickett is coming off a career-high 261 yards against Gulf. Usually, it's Mitchell's rushing attack — Ryan Marsh has a 236-yard game to his credit already — that must be addressed. But the Bulldogs have a bevy of fast, explosive backs.

2. Mix and match

Roberts says his team is ready for a high dose of Mitchell's patented sweeps. But last week, Mustangs quarterback Alec Lambert threw for three touchdowns. That's as many as Mitchell threw for all of last season. This might not be your daddy's Mustangs. Unless, of course, you're new coach Andy Schmitz, who took over for dad Scott. So technically, they are his daddy's Mustangs. But still … "We still see wing-T," said Roberts, "but they aren't lining up the same. Still see the buck sweep, just doing it out of different formations. And they have added the threat of a pass."

3. Big plays

The last time Zephyrhills played in a marquee game, last year's 24-16 loss to Pasco, it gave up two back-breaking plays. Mitchell has scored 10 touchdowns this season, six 40 yards or longer. By the same token, the Bulldogs have five touchdowns of 30 yards or longer. Zephyrhills won last year's matchup 17-9. And the winning touchdown? A 30-yard pass.

John C. Cotey, Times staff writer