Tigers and Grizzlies game Friday
Douglas High linebacker Gabe Foster finished off a Reno running back last Friday in the Tigers’ home opener.
Photo by Ron Harpin.
With both teams having performed where they weren’t able to find dirt, establishing a rhythm will be the focus of the Tiger’s coaching staff.
“We’re just trying to improve. We struggled but our kids work hard and our coaches try to make the right adjustments to get the ball into the end zone, â€said head coach Kyle Mays.
Gabe Foster was Douglas’s best forward on offense and defensively had a record 20 tackles in three games.
A big piece of the comeback for the Tigers will be Christopher Smalley, who missed the first few weeks with a hand injury.
Smalley has been cleared to play and Mays can’t wait to see how the rest of the Tigers react as they play alongside their senior captain.
“We’ll see the difference it makes,†Mays said. “When we made the announcement, the kids were excited because they know the element he adds to our team. … His return will be a moral boost for the team.
Smalley’s younger brother Cole (42nd) has 17 tackles and three tackles for a second-year loss.
Stop the galena
Quarterback Ben Primka (No.9) will be Douglas’ number one priority on Friday.
“The kid has a pretty good arm and can really hitch him down the field,†Mays said. “He’s not afraid to run the ball either, which scares off any defense.”
The junior quarterback completed just under 50 percent of his passes while racking up 400 yards in the air.
Second row player Tyler Miller plays both offensive and defensive line for the Grizzlies, has forced two fumbles this season and also serves as the team’s kicker.
“He’s giving you a lot of trouble up front on both sides of the ball,†Mays said of the 6-4, 290-pound Miller.
Number 15 Brian Baker has been the Grizzlies’ best gun on the ground, posting 116 yards and one touchdown on 20 carries this season.
“Their racing game isn’t that bad. They’re trying to hit the edge, â€Mays said. “I’ve been a coach since 2005 and Galena still has smart and tough kids.”
On the other side of the ball, Galena’s 3-4 base defense is similar to what Douglas is leading every week.
Senior Anthony Miller (28th) averages more than 11 tackles per game for Galena.