After suffering back-to-back losses in highly-contested affairs, East Marion looks to get back on track with a road matchup against Collins.
Collins (2-1) has a pair of solid outings with a blowout loss in between, as the Class 2A Tigers started the season with a 17-6 victory in a defensive battle at Northeast Jones before falling 41-14 at home to Seminary. Following a 40-0 victory over winless Mount Olive, Collins has built some momentum heading into Friday’s meeting.
“They have two wide receivers that probably sit at 6’2 or 6’3 – big guys that can go up, jump and catch the ball,” East Marion head coach Jerry Fletcher said of Collins’ offense. “They’re going to be a big challenge for our cornerbacks to test those receivers. We’re going to have to put pressure on the quarterback. He’s very elusive, and if he gets outside the pocket, he can really go.”
There will be a return to form offensively for the Eagles Friday, as Fletcher said he wants to get back to running a heavy dose of counter plays – something he feels is the bread and butter of East Marion.
“(We want to) go back to do best – our counters. We’ve actually gone away from our counters (by) doing powers and inside zone, but we’re going to go back to what we do best and make them stop us,” Fletcher said.
Fletcher said that in order for his offense to be successful against Collins, they have to take what the defense gives them.
Kickoff between the Eagles and Tigers is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Collins.
