Sports - November 2003

Knights prepare to meet Rams

By JOHN MARK BROOKS, Staff Writer

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Only in a such a unique setting as the 1A State Playoffs can you find a team 1-9 going up against a 9-1 powerhouse.

 The North Lincoln Knights, 1-9, will visit the Starmount Rams who are 9-1 and led by 6’3” 185 pound James Houston, a Shrine Bowl pick. Houston is an explosive threat on both sides of the ball. Last season he picked off a state record 16 passes.

OFFENSIVELY

Although the score was very lopsided 63-7, against the Cherryville Ironmen last week head coach Lonnie Custer said it wasn’t because they couldn't move the football.

“We need to finish drives. We had 300 yards last week and only seven points, that doesn’t get it done,” he said.

Todd Eaton, one of the Knights best running backs, is still out from the three cracked teeth he suffered in the contest versus Cedar Ridge a couple of games a go.

Custer said Eaton’s absence, although unfortunate, is an opportunity for Brandon Mull and Josh McClain to emerge.

“It’s an opportunity for Brandon Mull and Josh McClain to step up in his absence. They’re both a little smaller, but both a little quicker than some of our other backs. They are more like scat backs and will give us an added threat on the corner,” he said.

McClain, a freshman moved up from JV, had three carries for 24 yards and a 37-yard reception against the Ironmen.

With freshman quarterback Trent Hopkins surpassing the 1,000 yard mark Custer will look to put the ball in the air against the Rams.

“We’re going to try to balance it out as always with the run and pass. Trent’s going to throw the ball 25-30 times which is our average,” he said.

DEFENSIVELY

On the defensive side of the ball the Knights will do everything in their power to stop division one recruit Houston who’s rushed for 1247 yards and 12 touchdowns this season.

“We have to contain James Houston. He’s an unbelievable high school athlete. He has great vision, legit 4.4 speed and runs the option real well — that’s their bread and butter,” Custer said.

Custer feels that Houston has the perfect players around him and knows his defense will be in for a stiff challenge.

“They have other great skill position players as well. As a group they are the best skill position players we’ve faced all year,” he said.

North Lincoln hopes to force some early turnovers to be competitive against their loaded opponent.

“We have to force some negative plays and make Houston give the ball up. We need something good to happen for us early, like a turnove, to create momentum,” Custer said.

X-FACTOR

The coach is telling his team that anything can happen in the first round of the playoffs.

“It’s the state playoffs. Last year a No. 16 seed beat a No. 1 seed, so I told the kids that as far-fetched as it may sound, you just never know,”

Custer feels that his kids have something to prove coming off a mediocre performance last week against the Ironmen.

“The kids are going to play hard coming off a lackluster performance last week. They are going to come out and play with a chip on their shoulder. We’ve had a really good week of practice this week,” he said.

The biggest positive the Knights will have is a lack of any seniors. That means regardless of what happens against the Rams Custer and his team will gain some valuable experience.

“This group is going to be back together so it’s going to be a stepping stone going into next season because everybody will be back,” Custer said.

© 2001 Lincoln Times-News  

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