By Mike Moore Photo by Ryan Kerwin, JTV
Staff Writer
Jackson — A Saturday road game against an undefeated opponent.
That’s the next challenge for the Lumen Christi football team as the 2016 playoffs resume this weekend with district final action.
For the Titans, there’s plenty to think about.
A rare Saturday contest.
A road game against a team that has yet to lose.
Maybe even the prospect of entering as an underdog.
None of which matters to Herb Brogan and his guys.
“It’s a football game. We have a chance to advance, and that’s all that we’re worried about,” Brogan said. “For us, the next team in front of us is all we’re concerned about. Whether they are 10-0 or 6-4, we have to come out and perform.”
The Titans did that last Friday, stunning and confusing the high-powered Watervliet attack in a 55-28 victory.
School craft also defeated Watervliet this year, but a similar 51-30 final.
Much like Watervliet, the Eagles can score, and score often.
They enter Week 11 averaging 46.6 points per contest.
The high-flying offense begins with senior quarterback Ricky Clark, who’s torched defenses all season with his right arm and running ability.
“I think he’s one of the best players around,” Brogan said. “He can run and throw. He has great speed. In the open field, we’re not going to catch him. And he’s not their only weapon.”
Though he is the main one.
In last week’s 40-28 victory over Constantine in the Division 6 district opener, Clark completed 13-of-19 passes for 226 yards and four touchdowns. He also rushed for 29 yards and two touchdowns.
“Have to play assignment football,” Brogan said of his defense. “He’s not the only offensive guy that can beat you. The individual battle is something we have to win every time out.”
Asked if Schoolcraft was comparable to Watervliet, Brogan wasn’t bitting.
“It’s two different styles, really,” he said. Watervliet did not punt and went with onside kicks every time, giving Lumen excellent field position all night. “This team isn’t as wide open. They won’t throw it as much.”
But they are plenty dangerous, which lends necessity for Lumen to control the ball as much as possible.
“It’s on us to possess the ball, keep it away from them,” Brogan said.
Lumen and Schoolcraft have never played one another before.
“One step at a time,” Brogan said. “You can’t look too far ahead at this stage. We have some big goals, but to do those, you have to take care of the steps along the way.”
Saturday’s winner faces the winner of the Napoleon (8-2) and Grass Lake (9-1) district final.
Lumen would host either team in the regional final.
Mike Moore is a play-by-play commentator and Sports Writer for JTV Sports. You can reach him at mjm12@albion.edu. He’s also the author of ‘Love, Defined; A Dedication to the Love, Sacrifice, and Magic of Motherhood.’
Love, Defined is available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Tate Publishing or by contacting Mike directly.
Visit http://lovedefinedbook.weebly.com for more information.
