Cameron travels to Jarrell in a must-win situation

Losing to McGregor to open district play was concerning, but most felt that the Yoemen could still rebound and control their own destiny in the 10-3A race. That all disappeared when Cameron fell to Franklin in the final seconds of last week’s homecoming game to drop to 0-2. With regards to the playoffs, this now forces the Yoemen into a must-win situation tomorrow night on the road at Jarrell.

The Cougars - which sit at 0-6 overall and 0-2 in the district - have struggled even more than the Yoemen, and the schedule has also been somewhat light up to this point.

Jarrell’s 2017 results: Johnson City (L 37-0), Florence (L 29-15), Thorndale (L 31-0), Lexington (L 69-6), Academy (L 20-14) and Troy (60-0). The Cougars have been already been outscored by over 200 points in their six games.

Before moving into the district, Jarrell had a strong showing in 2015 with an 11-1 record and area round playoff finish. Since that point only one win was been recorded and the overall record stands at 1-15.

“They have struggled this year,” said Yoe coach Tommy Brashear. “They have a brand new coach and are learning a brand new system. They have some talent on that team, but they have had a hard time putting it together.”

Cameron played Jarrell for the first time last season, winning 46-0. This will be the first time the Yoemen have played on Cougar Field.

Offense

Jarrell returned a total of just 2 offensive starters which have produced just 35 points, or 5.83 points per ball game this year.

The pistol shotgun is the formation of choice for head coach Amos Davidson. According to Brashear, this is the side of the ball the Cougars have struggled the most on.

“Their offense has really struggled,” said Brashear. “They do have some weapons. Joshua Ortiz (#2) is a tall outside receiver who is being recruited by division one schools for basketball.” 

Defense

The defense has returned three starters from last year. The unit is giving up exactly 41 points per game.

Much like the offense, some of the better looking athletes are the ones being highly recruited for basketball.

“On defense they have another division one type basketball player in number seven, He is 6’7”

and is a big ole boy. He is more of a basketball player. He takes some plays off, but when he wants to play he can be pretty good.

Brashear also noted multiple two-way players including standout lineman #72 Lake Kisselburg, which will be on the offensive and defensive lines.

Jarell will base out of the 3-4 and should mix up their coverage looks.

“They are very similar to us on the defensive side of the ball,” said Brashear. “They run a 3-4 defense, which is like ours in a lot of ways. They run a cover two, cover four, and some cushion man.”

Keys to the game

This is a game where you would expect the Yoemen to hold many advantages. However, the focus this week is simply to not overlook anyone.

“We are in no position to underestimate anybody or take anyone lightly,”said Brashear. “They are 0-6 but we are only 1-5. We have played in some good, close ball games that could have gone either way. We better not go in there and underestimate them because they are going to see our record and say the Yoemen are down and let’s put them away. We have to go to Jarrell and put them away and be ready to go.”

A win is this game could also jump start the preseason number team.

“We really need to get a win out of this and get a little momentum and a little positive attitude going into the Rockdale week,” Brashear said. “Our kids need a win. Their morale is down and a win could cure all of those ailments. It’s a must win with getting into the playoffs.”