Beech Tree News Network

Butler County (1-1) took it on the chin last week against Russellville but look to refocus this week as the Bears hit the long road to Breckinridge County on Friday night.  For B.C.H.S. coach Ryan Emmick, the secret is to concentrate more on what his team does in terms of play execution. 
"We have talked all week about how Friday night (vs. Russellville) was as much of an “us” thing as it was a “them” thing.  We were in position to make plays, we just didn’t make them.  We have emphasized all week finishing plays, wrapping up on tackles, and getting 11 hats to the football," said Emmick.  "Offensively, we’ve emphasized taking what the defense gives us and exploiting their weaknesses.  Those are the hallmarks of Butler County Football and something we pride ourselves on."
Breck will likely throw multiple formations at the Bears.
 "They are a spread team, running a lot of zone runs and stretch runs.  They will give several formations that we have to adjust to and we have to be cognizant of our assignments and adjustments," said Emmick.  "Their QB was injured midway through the McLean game so I feel like we have only seen two quarters of their actual offense on film.  He will return this week so we have to be prepared to adjust on the fly to what they are doing."
Offensively, Coach Emmich wants his team to keep their eyes on the first down markers, rather than the goal line, as he plans to offer a good mixture of both rushing and pass plays.
"On offense we will see an even-front defense.  Breck likes to align in a 4-4 cover 3 but will adjust to cover 2 in obvious passing downs," said Emmick.  "We have to get in a rhythm offensively and create first downs.  We cannot be thinking about touchdowns every play.  First downs will lead to touchdowns and wear on the opposing defense.  We have to continue to mix the run and the pass and get the ball to our playmakers in space," the coach added.
Coach Emmick continued, "Our offensive line has to recognize blitz responsibilities and pick them up.  Our communication has improved this week and we will continue to commit time in practice to fixing things up front.  Overall, in the run game, I’ve been pleased with our blocking.  We are getting movement off the ball but must finish blocks." 
Never a coach to stray far from the basics, Coach Emmick emphasized fundamentals as the path to victory.
"Sound fundamental football will be the key.  We have to take care of the little things, reads, tackling, and playing football as a team.  That is our number one goal," said Emmick. 
The Bears and Tigers will kick-off at 7 p.m. on Friday, September 13, at Breckinridge County High School in Harned, KY.  The game will be Broadcast live on WLBQ 1570 AM and streamed on www.beechtreenews.com.  Mark Allen will have the call. 

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This sports coverage is brought to you by the sponsors of the 2013-14 BC Sports Package with WLBQ/BtN. We are grateful for their continued support of Butler County student-athletes.

 The following are 2013-14 BC Sports Package Sponsors:

 - Jones Funeral Chapel & Monument Company
 - Morgantown Bank & Trust
 - Hocker Family Insurance
 - Parkway Cars & Tires
 - PBI Bank
 - Final Finish
 - Butler County Farm Bureau Insurance
 - Pizza Zone & Poppy's Place
 - Bluegrass Oral Health
 - Orthopedics Plus Physical Therapy
 - Butler County Board of Education
 - Warren RECC
 - Butler County Drug Free Coalition
 - Butler County Judge-Executive David Fields
 - Tiffany's Tanning

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- Story by John Embry, BtN/WLBQ.