Playing through pain

7:30 p.m. Friday at Plainview

After a resilient and determined road win over Elgin last week, where the game was delayed over an hour by lightning, No. 10 Plainview now turns its attention to Valliant.

Offensively, the team presents a read-option look run exclusively out of the shotgun, something the Indians have yet to experience this season after facing two teams that thrive on power-running games.

“This is a different look for us than so far this season,” Berus said. “We're going to have to play very gap-sound defensively.”

Quarterback Brandon Harriell will be the main cog of the Valliant offensive attack, with Berus praising his speed and running instincts.

“They have a good quarterback, a guy with speed who will carry the ball most of the time,” Berus said.

Valliant, while 2-0, has not played the level of competition that the Indians have seen. What Berus is hoping to see from his group is a team that comes out fast and strong, ready to dominate a group that most would consider less talented than Plainview.

“When you know you're going against an inferior opponent, you want to make them look inferior,” Berus said. “If you don't come out with the right attitude, and the desire to play to your own standard, then you can give a team confidence, and suddenly you're in for a dogfight for four quarters.”