By wv2010, Waubonsie Valley High School student
In two short weeks, Waubonsie Valley has moved from the back half of the UEC standings to 3rd at 2-1 in conference play. That status will be seriously contested tonight, as a talented Lake Park team comes into Death Valley with both pride and playoff aspirations at stake. Lake Park posts an overall record of 1-4, but the Warriors must ignore this seemingly dismal mark. The Lancers beat Neuqua Valley 20-6, played Naperville Central to within eight points, and just last week took conference leading St. Charles East into double overtime, eventually losing a thriller 42-41. Simply put, Lake Park has been a squad that plays tough throughout, but fades out just before they can pull out a victory.
But the Warriors have some momentum on their side, take last week's game as evidence.
In a homecoming matchup against Elgin, Waubonsie executed its offensive game plan to near perfection in a 46-21 triumph. The clear standout was running back Chris Harris, who weaved his way through Elgin defenders for 158 yards on 22 carries. The foundation of his efforts was through outstanding blocking by his offensive line, which had played at best mediocre up to this point in time. Quarterback Tyler Castro, Waubonsieʼs offensive juggernaut through four weeks of the season, completed 13 of 22 passes for 162 yards, but still managed to get in his share of touchdown passes.
Defensively, the Warriors crowded the line to stop the run and put pressure on Elginʼs mobile and strong armed quarterback. Their pressure resulted in several sacks and a safety that put the Warriors up 33-7 late in the game. The secondaryʼs play was soft at times, allowing Elgin to drive down the field and complete a few long bombs to receivers well past Waubonsie DBʼs. Nevertheless, the overall performance against Elgin built momentum for the stretch run and boosted team moral, as several second string players, such as backup QB Ken Clay, were able to see action over the course of the game.
Five losses in high school football leaves a team out of the playoffs. As Lake Park sits dangerously close to that mark, there is no doubt that they will come into Fridayʼs game with unrivaled emotion and a never-say-die attitude. For them, this is their state championship game, their hope of getting back into the playoff chase, and the key for Waubonsie is to realize this and make sure they equal Lake Parkʼs intensity.
Offensively, the Warriors' offensive scheme went from fun-and-gun to balanced in the span of a week. They should make every effort to continue achieving the balance between the running and passing game, and once again, the offensive line must be on top of its game. In achieving this balance offensively, it will make the Warriors all the more difficult to predict and stop. While Waubonsieʼs passing offense is as efficient as it's been in years, eventually the opposing defense will know what is coming and how to defend it, so mixing it up is key.
On defense, the Warriors must come out with the same philosophy as the last two weeks - put pressure on the quarterback. Forcing turnovers needs to be emphasized, as it could mean the difference in what may be a very tight contest. With that being said, the secondary should first focus on covering their man downfield to prevent the big play. Bottom line, keep Lake Parkʼs offense off the field and let the Warrior offense eat up clock with time consuming drives.
Warrior fans, what are your keys to tonight's game? What are your predictions for the outcome?
wv2010 is a student at Waubonsie Valley and a guest blogger for The Sun. His views are entirely his own and do not represent those of The Sun staff.
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