By Mike Moore Photo by Ryan Kerwin, JTV Sports
Staff Writer
Jackson — In a perfect world, the Lumen Christi football team would roll to a win Friday night, close the regular season with another victory next Friday and then march its way to Ford Field to defend last year’s title.
In reality, well, most of that is possible, aside from the victory-next-week thing.
The Titans are set to take on Pennfield Friday night, and will likely host a first round playoff games two weeks from then, but unable to find a dance partner for Week 9, tomorrow’s game will be the final of the regular season for the 2017 squad.
“It is what it is,” coach Herb Brogan said calmly. “Not having a game next week doesn’t really change our approach this week. The change will really come next week when you want to balance work and rest and health. There’s a fine line to keep sharp while resting up.”
So, worry about next week’s rest, health and sharpness next week.
For now, the focus is on Pennfield.
“And from what I’ve been told, they are much better than their record indicates,” Brogan said of the Panthers, who are clinging to an outside hope of the playoffs at 3-4.
And the biggest challenge Lumen will have Friday is slowing Pennfield’s offense.
“They run a wing-T, but it’s so deceptive,” Brogan said. “We have to be ready for that. They will also run with the quarterback and throw the ball more than most other wing-T teams.”
Pennfield is no stranger to the end zone, and in three of the past four games the team has played and won, its scored 42, 58 and 41, respectively.
At the same time, don’t look past Lumen’s offense, which during its current four-game win streak has scored 42, 33, 33 and 33, respectively.
Could Friday be a shootout?
“It could be,” Brogan laughed. “Truthfully, we’ve played better defense against offenses that spread us out. We’ve struggled more with teams that come right at us, and that’s what Pennfield is going to do.”
Again, without a game next week and a playoff spot secured, Lumen has the advantage of playing a little loose and laid back.
Pennfield has to play with ultimate desperation.
“So a quick start would be good for us,” Brogan said. “If we can get on them early, it certainly wouldn’t hurt.”
Pennfield will face Olivet (7-0) next week.
“Like I said, going into the playoffs, having some rest isn’t the worst thing,” Brogan added. “We’ll make the most of the week and get ready.”
Mike Moore is a play-by-play commentator and Sports Writer for JTV Sports.
He’s also a Realtor with Real Estate One, specializing with buyers and sellers throughout Michigan, from the Jackson area to metro Detroit. You can reach him at mmoore@realestateone.com or by calling (313) 770-6365 with any inquiries.
