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SHS to unveil new look Friday night
Fredericktown is coming off of a 9-2 playoff season in '07
FREDERICKTOWN -- When the Sikeston Bulldogs take to the field on Friday evening in Fredericktown there will be a new look to the squad. The brand new uniforms should catch everyone's attention as well as the new Bulldog offense.
The Sikeston offense is once again headlined by Charlie Bohannon who will be lining up behind center to take the snaps. Bohannon, along with Eli Jackson provide the Bulldogs with quite a bit of speed when healthy and this season Jackson is back with a lot to prove after missing the majority of 2007.
The Bulldogs will have quite a bit to contend with however as they head north to face Sikeston head coach Kent Gibbs' former squad the Fredericktown Blackcats.
"They'll be strong from a physical sense," said Gibbs of his week one opponent. "They'll be aggressive and they've got several returning from their defensive team last year. They've got a lot of experience coming back and they're going to be strong and physical."
Fredericktown won their district before being eliminated by the New Madrid County Central Eagles in the first round of the playoffs.
Gibbs said he expects the Fredericktown squad to line up in a 3-5 defense to put an end to the Bulldog perimeter offense, but says that the Blackcats like to run a 4-4 base front as well.
"I expect them to open up in the 3-5 defense," said Gibbs.
A cover three zone defense could set up behind the 3-5.
As for the Blackcat offense, Fredericktown is returning quite a bit of players with knowledge of the high school game.
"They were 9-2 last season and they've got five returning starters with three of them being on offense," he said. "They're going to run out of the I-formation and they're going to try and hit you pretty good with a power running game. They'll come out after us and they'll be ready to play this week."
Gibbs went on to say that the Sikeston offense will have to beef up their style of play if they want to contend in week one.
"Offensively, we weren't very good in the Jamboree last week to be honest," he said. "We felt like there were a few things that we needed to clean up and we've kind of gotten after certain positions this week to perform better and create a little more competition. We feel like we've had a better week as far as competition is concerned. I told the kids they can't be afraid of a little competition because that's how life is supposed to work. Things aren't just handed to you."
Gibbs said that the coaching staff hopes that the competition that was created this week can carry over into game situations.
"For us to have a shot this week, we really have to improve our offense dramatically," he added. "We'll need to play good defense like we did the other night at the Jamboree. If we do that then we'll have a shot at them, but if we can't move the ball then obviously we're going to be in for a long evening."
The Bulldogs will find out what they're made of on Friday evening as they open up the season at Fredericktown at 7 p.m.