Yoe looks to break 4-game losing streak with Franklin

Losing streaks are not fun for any team to encounter. For a tradition rich program like Cameron Yoe, it’s that much tougher. Cameron has lost their past four ball games, with the most recent being the 10-3A district opener to McGregor. The last time Cameron lost four straight was way back in 2003. That season ended with a program worst 1-9 record.

Cameron will look to get back to their winning ways this Friday night as they host tradition rich Franklin from Yoe Field for homecoming. This is not only a huge game because of the names on the front of the jerseys, but will also have big playoff implications on the line, particularly for the Yoemen.

“Winning this game is huge for us with regards to playoff opportunities and as far as placing in the playoffs,” said Yoe coach Tommy Brashear. “If we did lose this game, you are probably looking at best a third or fourth place finish. But, if we do win like we expect to, we still control our own destiny and have a shot at first place. It’s a tough district and I think the winner could have one loss. Hopefully that is us.”

Franklin won their district opener versus Troy last week in convincing fashion, 44-10. The Lions had an up and down non-district schedule, breaking even at 2-2. To most, that would be a positive considering who was on that schedule: W 36-35 over Navasota, L 57-42 over Caldwell, W 27-26 over Lorena, L 20-14 to Waco Connally.

In the win over Lorena, the Lions erased a two-touchdown deficit in the final five minutes of the game.

Franklin is returning a total of 9 starters from last season’s 8-3 bi-district finalist team which fell to Teague in the opening round, 42-20. In last season’s game, Cameron built a double digit lead before holding off the late comeback, 42-38.

Offense

Franklin is returning four starters from a team that averaged 40 points per game. Thus far in 2017, that average is down to 32 points per game.

The Lions operate out of the same heavy-run, slot-t offense.

“They pound it, pound it, pound it, and then mix in a pass every now and then,” said Brashear. “First downs are going to be very important. You want to hold them to a short gain, because when they are in long down situations, it’s pretty hard on that offense. It’s also important to jump out on them, because it’s not an offense that is really good about coming from behind.”

The top player to watch on this side of the ball will be doing that blocking up front. That is Casey Phillips, whom is committed to Baylor University.

“Their tight end, which played offensive tackle last year, is a DI type of talent,” said Brashear. “It is a the most important blocking position in the slot-t which is why they moved him there. He is wearing number three and you can’t miss him at 6’6”, 270 pounds.”

A variety of back will carry the load for Franklin throughout the night.

Defense

The defensive unit is returning 5 starters from a team that gave up an average of 24.6 points per game. That average has also slightly worsened to 29.6 points per game this season.

A positive is that Franklin is going to line up in a 4-2 defensive front, which is the exact same scheme McGregor was using a week ago.

“They run a 4-2 on defense, much like we saw last week against McGregor,” said Brashear. “The one good thing about it is we have the same blocking scheme and we don’t have to learn a new one.”

The Lions are a team that likes to run the ball, and their main strength on this side of the ball is the big boys up front limiting the opponent's ground yardage.

“The d-front does not move as well as McGregor’s, but they are big, strong kids,” said Brashear. “Their two inside linebackers (24/25) do move well and are very good tacklers. They are a very good defensive team in my opinion.”