Demons host Wichita Heights
By: John Zetmeir
Playing 11 different players on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball was something that the Dodge City High School football team was not able to do in recent years.
Though their first two games, the Red Demons (2-0) have shown that this year’s team has the depth and will not have to rely on six to eight players playing both ways, which was the case for the 2015 team. That depth is keeping the defense fresh and it is a big reason why they have only allowed two touchdowns so far this season.
That depth will face it’s toughest test at Memorial Stadium tonight when they host fellow unbeaten Wichita Heights (2-0).
“Now you find out how good you are,” Dodge City head coach Dave Foster said. “This is going to be a good evaluation for our kids to learn where we are at and then take our steps of progression to the next level.”
In last week’s 53-33 win over Wichita Northwest, Heights showed that they possess maybe the most potent rushing attack in the state. The Falcons tallied over 500 rushing yards with three different players adding over 100 yards on the ground.
“A big part of our defense is going to be built from the inside out with the thought process that we have to stop their fullback to their quarterback to their pitch game,” Foster said. “Their quarterback (K’Vante Baker) is the most dynamic runner that we’ve seen all year on film.”
Not only will the Red Demons rely on their depth defensively to try toslow down Heights’ flexbone offense, but they will need their offense to string together long drives to keep the Falcons’ offense off of the field.
“Our offense is also a great equalizer in terms of helping our defense out,” Foster said. “If we can sustain long drives, it sure makes a big difference in the course of the game. Shortening the game and getting effective scores has been our ticket.”
Junior quarterback Dawson Williams and senior running back Tylor Garcia have carried the load for the Red Demons offense through the first two weeks. Williams has scored eight total touchdowns which includes seven rushing and one passing. The one passing touchdown was a 41-yard catch and run by Garcia.
In the last two meetings, Heights has edged out the Red Demons by five points in each contest which included a 53-48 shootout last season in Wichita.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Memorial Stadium.
