East Robertson looks to break Red Devil curse
Even though coaches from Jo Byrns and East Robertson won’t address the Red Devils 13-game winning streak over the Indians, fans know all too well that the last East Robertson win was back in 1999.
Both coaches have the same stance on the game. They believe it’s just another game, and it just so happens to be next on the schedule, but this is a rivalry East Robertson fans want renewed in a big way.
“We don’t address it because I think it’s more about the two communities,” Jo Byrns coach Tom Adkins said. “For most of the year, we root for East Robertson, and I’m sure they are the same way.
“Both teams want to get this win, but this isn’t a nasty rivalry.”
East Robertson coach Chad Broadrick has a similar approach to things.
“We’re going to do like we do every week and focus on us and getting better as a team,” he said. “I think it will be a great atmosphere, and I’m sure both teams will show up ready to play.”
Jo Byrns will be looking for its first win of the season after the Red Devils lost in week one, 48-20, to Cheatham County.
“We’re going to have to go to work this week, and it’s going to take reps to get that done,” Adkins said. “East Robertson is a much improved team, and I have no doubt that they will come out ready to play Friday night.
“Coach Broadrick has his team believing what they’re doing, and they have a lot of confidence coming in here, so we’re going to be tested. If we don’t come out ready to play a full four quarters, then we’re going to get beat.”
Both teams had their share of misfortunes last Friday, but East Robertson was just able to fight through it.
“It doesn’t matter what (the) job is, we all have to do better Friday,” Broadrick said. “We’ve also got to cut down on penalties and turnovers. We had two turnovers Friday night that led to 12
points. Jo Byrns is too good of a ball team. If we spot them 12 points, we’re going to be in trouble.”
Jo Byrns also wants to cut down on turnovers before Friday’s game.
“We had three turnovers and we also gave up over 400 yards of rushing offense last Friday,” Adkins said.
“East Robertson is a much better team right now than they were a year ago, and they have several guys that can run the ball.
“We have to be disciplined and recognize what they’re doing up front and make the proper adjustments.”
Coach hopes Indians turn corner
Red Devils hope for a quick learning curve
Mikey Chennault had one of the best week one performances of any running back, finishing the game with 206 yards on just 15 carries while scoring two touchdowns, but Broadrick said they won’t be focusing on any one player this week.
“We’re going to try and be in the right place each and every play, and if we can do that, and tackle (Chennault) once we have him, then the rest should take care of itself,” Broadrick said.
Kickoff for Friday night’s game will be at 7 p.m. at Jo Byrns.