FRIDAY PREVIEW: Bear prepare for journey to Union

Thu, 10/03/2013 - 1:37pm — John Embry

From Morgantown to Morganfield is the path the Butler County High School football team will be traveling tomorrow (Friday) night as the Bears are set to battle the Braves of Union County. It will be the second district game for each squad. Butler Count (3-2) lost a nail-biter 41-34 to Owensboro Catholic last week, while Union County (4-1) defeated Hancock County 43-13 at Hawesville. The game looms large on the district horizon

B.C.H.S. Head Coach Ryan Emmick expects another tough challenge for his Bears.

"Union County is a big, physical, athletic team. In back-to back-weeks we will have faced the two best teams in our district. They are a definite test for us," said Emmick.

Focusing on the ground game will be a priority for Butler County, according to Coach Emmick.

"Union looks to run the football from multiple formations and they get the ball into their athletes hands. #1 Foster is an excellent player who is dangerous in the open field. Along with him they have several other players who make great plays in space," said Emmick. Their offensive and defensive lines are big and physical. They have a good quarterback in #25 Davis Joiner."

Coach Emmick continued, "Defensively, Union tries to bring pressure every down and forces the offense to adapt and pick up blitzes. Again, they are big and physical in their front seven and athletic in their defensive backfield. They are an even front team that plays a lot of cover 1 behind it."

Butler County, in order to be successful, must play well in all aspects of the game.

"We must execute on both sides of the football and control the line of scrimmage. Our offensive and defensive lines must perform this week for us to have success. We have to continue to mix the run and the pass to keep the defense off balance," said Emmick. "Defensively, the mindset we have had the past three weeks must continue. Our defense has been playing well, flying around and getting multiple hats to the football. Our defensive backs will be tested in coverage and must use their techniques well throughout the game."

To say this game has significant ramifications is an understatement.

"This game is important in district. A win will set us up in a good position in the district. We have a lot of games to go, but this game will help us with a second seed in the district with a chance at the #1 seed. It’s too early to tell where we will fall in district, but every game is important right now," said Emmick.

A question mark for the Bears is quarterback and defensive back Bryce Shanklin, who suffered a shoulder injury in last week's game at Owensboro Catholic.

"Shanklin is recovering from his shoulder injury and is questionable right now. We have several other players nursing injuries and have to find a way to overcome them. Players will have to step up in order for us to be successful," said Emmick.

Kick-off is set for 7 p.m. Mark Allen and David Clark will call the game live on WLBQ 1570 AM and www.beechtreenews.com (streamed).

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