By Mike Arie
After a disappointing loss last week at Wayne the Elmore City Badgers will have their home opener this Friday night. The friendly confines of Wheeler Stadium in Elmore will be the site of the Badgers first district game as they face highly rated and touted Velma-Alma.
Every season Velma seems to be at the top of the class and this year is no exception. Velma is one of three teams out of the district that are rated in the top 15.
“It never gets any easier,” head coach Sam Sharp said.
“Our district is very tough with Velma and Ringling but the rest of the district is just as tough.”
Velma will show a different look on offense from what the Badgers have faced the last two weeks, a power I.
“Against Wayne and in our last scrimmage we faced wide open offenses,” Sharp said. “Velma will give a little different look, they will line up and run right at you.”
They have the kids to do just that including a three-year starter in junior tailback Trenton Files.
Files led the squad last year in the backfield and is back again looking for a similar season as last year.
“He’s a force,” Sharp said. “He’s a big, strong back. We have to account for him on every play both on offense and defense.”
The offensive line isn’t as big as in year’s past but they do have good size.
“They are very strong and quick up front,” Sharp said. “They are coached really well. They stay low and get up underneath you. We have to stay low and get underneath them.”
Defensively, the Comets are solid behind Files, who plays linebacker.
“They are not as aggressive as they have been in the past,” Sharp said. “They do read and react very well though. We have to make sure they we find Files and get a body on him.”
Elmore City’s first home game will kick off at 7:30 p.m.
