The Brownwood Lions will take on the Liberty Hill Panthers in what has been named the Big Country Game of the Week by Abilene Reporter News, and the Lions are more than ready according to their coach to play what should be a very good game.
According to Brownwood High School Head Coach Chuck Howard, the Lions understand that Liberty Hill will be a tough opponent and that they will have to make every play count, not leaving any points on the field.
“They lead the district in team defense both in points allowed and yards allowed per game. Liberty Hill is better on both sides of the ball this year when compared to last year’s team. Their defensive line and linebackers are extremely active and physical,” Howard said. “They have good speed and athleticism in the secondary. We will have to take advantage of every opportunity we have and not leave any points on the field.”
He further explained that Liberty Hill’s team is very good on both offense and defense and that the Lions will have to give their all on defense.
“Liberty Hill is a physical, run oriented team who wants to control time of possession. That being said, they do such a great job with their lineman getting down field and blocking on the second and third levels that if their backs break the line of scrimmage, they can go the distance,” said Howard.
In working toward a District Championship, Liberty Hill is definitely a team the Lions need to conquer.
“They have 5 of the top 8 leading rushers in the district. They are second in the district in terms of team offense and lead the district in rushing yards per game at 342 yards per game,” stated Coach Howard.
In comparison to the previous foes the Lions have taken on, Howard stated that Liberty Hill has played some tough teams but that the preseason games the Lions took on helped prepare them for games against strong teams like Liberty Hill.
“Liberty Hill has played good competition this year. I don’t know that they have played teams like All Saints or Graham,” explained Howard. “That being said, the only thing that will matter Friday night is how well we tackle, how physical we play on both side of the ball and how well we execute on offense.”
Howard stated that the team has had a great week of practice. The win against Burnet did give the Lions confidence; however, that game is behind them and the Lions are now focused on the task at hand according to Howard.
When asked how it felt to have his first district win as head coach, Howard explained that the win is not about his career, it is about the team as a whole.
“All wins are good wins regardless of my position. It puts us in a position to reach our goal which is to be district champs,” explained Howard. “I am excited for our players and our program – that’s what it’s all about.”
The team is ready and healthy with the exception of one injured player, according to Coach Howard.
Lions fans are again urged to come to Friday’s game and support the Lions in their quest to beat the Liberty Hill Panthers, having fan support is an extra help to the team.
“Our crowd is always a factor. Our players feed off the enthusiasm,” said Howard.
So mark your calendar for kickoff at 7:30 p.m. at Gordon Wood Stadium, and support the Lions in the Big Country Game of the Week.
