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With hopes of making the Class 3A playoffs now gone, Lone Grove heads to Purcell this Friday with a goal of finishing strong and building toward 2012.
Lone Grove is 4-5 overall, 2-3 in District 3A-2. Purcell is 8-1, 4-1 and in a fight to the finish with Plainview and Pauls Valley for the top two district playoff spots.
“It is disappointing that we were not able to reach the goals we set for ourselves as a team,” Lone Grove coach Kenny Ridley said. “But we are hoping to end our season on a positive note and finish with a 5-5 record.
“We have played Purcell well in the past, and our players are excited and ready to play them again. We know about their quarterback (Cole Swayze). He is a great player, and they have several other key offensive players and a big offensive line.”
Ridley knows of Swayze’s up and down times. He suffered a season-ending ACL injury in 2010, and he has missed some playing time this year due to injuries. He did not play in Lone Grove’s 46-21 win over Purcell last season, which helped the Longhorns secure their first playoff berth in five seasons.
“A lot depends on Swayze’s ability to function,” Ridley said. “So much of their game is option and motion oriented. Our goal will be to disrupt their offense and try to keep them off-balanced.
“We have put together a good game plan. I am confident in our players, and I believe everyone will be physically and mentally prepared to go to Purcell and give our best efforts.”
With hopes of making the Class 3A playoffs now gone, Lone Grove heads to Purcell this Friday with a goal of finishing strong and building toward 2012.
Lone Grove is 4-5 overall, 2-3 in District 3A-2. Purcell is 8-1, 4-1 and in a fight to the finish with Plainview and Pauls Valley for the top two district playoff spots.
“It is disappointing that we were not able to reach the goals we set for ourselves as a team,” Lone Grove coach Kenny Ridley said. “But we are hoping to end our season on a positive note and finish with a 5-5 record.
“We have played Purcell well in the past, and our players are excited and ready to play them again. We know about their quarterback (Cole Swayze). He is a great player, and they have several other key offensive players and a big offensive line.”
Ridley knows of Swayze’s up and down times. He suffered a season-ending ACL injury in 2010, and he has missed some playing time this year due to injuries. He did not play in Lone Grove’s 46-21 win over Purcell last season, which helped the Longhorns secure their first playoff berth in five seasons.
“A lot depends on Swayze’s ability to function,” Ridley said. “So much of their game is option and motion oriented. Our goal will be to disrupt their offense and try to keep them off-balanced.
“We have put together a good game plan. I am confident in our players, and I believe everyone will be physically and mentally prepared to go to Purcell and give our best efforts.”
