When the Houston High School football team hosts Liberty this Friday in a South Central Association conference matchup that marks the end of the regular season for both squads, defense will be crucial to any success the Tigers hope to enjoy.
The Eagles are No. 9 in the latest Class 2 state rankings. Their high-powered offense features an active air-attack and has produced 328 points through eight games, while their defense has allowed only 120.
Meanwhile, the Tigers have scored 257 points so far this season and given up 178.
HHS head coach Eric Sloan identified three primary keys to his team’s chances for success this week.
KEY #1: STOP THE PASS
The Tigers’ defensive backfield will have to be patient and alert, as Sloan expects the Eagles to try to “hit home runs” with long passing plays.
“We can’t get beat deep,” Sloan said.
Defensive backs DJ Riley (45 tackles) and Jordan Arthur (22 tackles) will be expected to make tackles in the open field. Linebackers John Jordan (1 sack) and Braden Richardson (3 sacks) will be expected to put pressure on the quarterback.
KEY #2: DON’T ALLOW “BIG PLAYS”
In each of the Tigers’ losses this season, the opponent has taken advantage of huge, momentum-changing plays.
“That’s been our Achilles heel in our three losses,” Sloan said.
During last week’s game at Mountain Grove, the Tigers trailed 21-0 after the Panthers scored on a blocked punt and two lengthy rushing touchdowns.
KEY #3: BE MENTALLY TOUGH
“We can’t freak out when we see the uniforms they’re wearing,” Sloan said.
Houston has struggled this season with performing well during big games. This game is the last chance for the Tigers to rewrite the narrative heading into districts.
INJURY REPORT
The Tigers are dealing with several late season health-related issues.
“We are very beat up,” Sloan said Wednesday morning. “I’m sure we’re going to have some guys not available. As of now, no one has been ruled out, but it’s coming.”
Houston and Liberty are in the 8-team Class 2 District 4, with the Eagles (6-2, 5-1 SCA) currently in fifth place and the Tigers (5-3, 3-3 SCA) in sixth.
Liberty has dominated the series in recent history, winning 9 of the last 10 regular season meetings and beating Houston twice in first round district tournament games during that stretch. Last year in Mountain View, the Eagles beat the Tigers, 35-14.
