~Sikeston looks to get more production from the offense against tested Zizzers' defense
SIKESTON -- The Sikeston Bulldogs will look to get back in the win column on Friday night as they play host to the West Plains Zizzers. Both teams come in with only two wins on the season, as both teams are 2-5 on the season.
Sikeston is coming off of a loss to Kennett last Friday, and is hoping to bounce back with more production from the offense against the Zizzers.
After suffering through an injury-plagued season, the Bulldogs look to counter with what they have to offer on the offensive and defensive fronts.
"(Charlie) Bohannon will be back at quarterback this week," Sikeston head coach Kent Gibbs said. "Chase (Ferrell) had a good game last week against Kennett, we're just going to mix things up and get a look at Bohannon. He's (Bohannon) played some good football this year."
"We also had another injury in practice this week," he added. "AJ Vanover got hurt Monday going through some blocking drills. So, he's day-to-day with the knee injury."
Gibbs also mentioned that Anthony Maltbia will be moving to guard, while Clay Matthews will be the starting tight end.
The Zizzers come in after a loss last week to Springfield Glendale, 38-35, and hope to feed off of their tough losses to bigger Springfield schools with the Bulldogs.
Gibbs said that the West Plains squad is very fundamental and makes few mistakes. He also said that they like to run a 5-2 "monster" defense with Barrett Estes as their "monster" in the defensive back position. He also added that their defensive line is big and physical.
The Bulldogs don't look for the Zizzers to blitz very often, as they maintain their man coverage well.
"We don't plan on having another game like last week," Gibbs said. "Last week we moved around like we had our feet in sand. We weren't as sharp and as crisp as we can be."
"We have to get rid of the turnovers," he added. "We won't be successful if we don't."
On the offensive side of the ball, the Zizzers like to spread their offense out.
"On the film we've watched, they like to run different formations," he said. "They tend to run more than they throw, unlike our last few games."
Gibbs went on to say that West Plains is a lot like Farmington, in the sense that they don't have a lot of kids playing both sides of the ball.
Bohannon will look to guide the Bulldogs Friday night, as they open up district play. He will have the same backfield as Ferrell did last week, in Gavilan Bland and Jarian Wims. Josh Pierce and Niquavious Dixon will line up once again at wide receiver for Sikeston.
Friday night's game is set for 7 p.m. at the Sikeston Public Schools Stadium.