PLYMOUTH – The focus was on focus a week ago and the Plymouth Rockies responded with a win over Elkhart Memorial, but with Concord looming a week away, Plymouth needs look no further than an embarrasing loss a year ago to know that Wawasee is this week’s opponent.
Confidence is high for the Rockies based on an explosive offense that can score a lot of points teamed with a defense that has been inspired two weeks in a row.
“We really haven’t played a whole lot of bad football,” said Plymouth head coach John Barron. “I know a lot of coaches are probably asking for the Rochester film because they scored 35 points on us but I try to tell people that Rochester is really good and it’s a close rivalry that we’ve had since the 50’s so even there I don’t think we played that poorly.
“I think our defense has picked up the pace in the past few games. We’ve gotten nine interceptions and we’re doing some really good things.”
The defense and special teams provided the Rockie offense with field position a week ago that made things easier.
“There are certain things with this group that you don’t even have to talk about because they really know football,” said Barron. “They have a really good football IQ. Our guys understand the dynamics of if we start close to the goal line it’s better for us.”
The switch of Kyle Lacefield full time to the defensive side of the ball has also resulted in positive results.
“He’s a guy that if you are out there with him you know you can trust him,” said Barron. “He’s vocal. He gets guys in the right position. Our linebackers make plays out in the open and they can cover little guys. Koss and Weirs are probably around the ball somewhere, our outside linebackers are solid players they are both physical. Splix doesn’t do much wrong, Friar is more of a risk taker. They secure the edge real well. It allows us to do a lot of things.
On the offense the Rockie’s chief weapon Justin Drudge got into the game earlier against Elkhart Memorial – maybe a sign of things to come.
“Everybody knows that 20 (Justin Drudge) has to get the ball,” said Barron. “We feel we have a little more balance if we can get some steadier play out of our split ends it helps out passing game a lot. It allows us to call a hitch or slant on first down to get some positive yards and it is critical we be able to do that. NLC coaches are not going to let you beat them with the dive.
“Jack’s (Barron) inside running game has become a lot better and (Brandon) Zehner has really gotten some important touches for us. He’s had some big third down plays he’s catching the ball well, he’s blocking well, but if we run the option and the dive is there we’re going to keep giving the ball to Fulton.”
A trip to Wawasee a year ago brought a pre-Halloween horror show that Plymouth is determined not to repeat.
“It was a horrible experience,” said Barron. “That was a bad preparation week on my part and I take full responsibility for it. We’re going to guard Clayton Cook as soon as he gets off the bus. Gage Reinhard – their quarterback – is a really good player. Sam Clark has made some really big plays for them.
“Wawasee will go the way Clayton Cook goes. I’m not afraid to say it. You have to slow him down. He had 230 yards receiving against us last year. We know who he is. They’ve done a good job of finding ways to get him the ball.”
