CLOSE – Decatur’s Ben Blattner attempts to haul in a pass against Springtown, but falls short. Decatur seeks more time in the end zone this Friday. Messenger photo by Joe Duty
Decatur (0-2) hosts the Burkburnett Bulldogs (0-2) at Eagle Stadium Friday. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
The Eagles took advantage of a more efficient offense and some key stops on defense to outscore the Porcupines 20-0 in the final two quarters. Even though it did not result in a win, Decatur head coach Kyle Story hopes his team has turned the corner after a very difficult start.
“We feel a lot better about things after a good second half,” Story said. “If we keep playing like that and improving then we’ll be ready by the time district rolls around. If we don’t then we are going to be in trouble.”
A win would also be a nice thing to throw into the mix to gain some confidence, and Burkburnett should provide a good opportunity.
The Bulldogs have struggled out of the gate with losses to Gainesville and Wichita Falls High.
“You always want a win, but it will be up to us to decide if we get one,” Story said. “Winning is usually contagious, so it could give us some good momentum.”
A team that used to run every down, now the Bulldogs work out of the spread, which will give the Decatur secondary another test.
The defensive backfield has been a glaring issue for the Eagles so far in 2012. Decatur allowed four touchdown passes last week and will be facing another dual-threat quarterback this time around.
“He is dangerous running and throwing the football,” Story said. “They have a lot of designed running plays for him.”
Offensively the Eagles mixed things up well in the second half against Springtown. Quarterback Grayson Muehlstein threw for 114 yards and a touchdown, completing 67 percent of his passes.
“Grayson was effective throwing the football,” Story said. “His receivers also made some nice plays down the field.”
Decatur will need to build on that as they continue to search for their first win.
BURKBURNETT (0-2) AT DECATUR (0-2)
7:30 p.m. at Eagle Stadium
DECATUR: Harris Rating 214
NOTABLE: The Eagles outscored Springtown 20-0 in the second half last week.
BURKBURNETT: Harris Rating 194
NOTABLE: The Bulldogs have been outscored 86-30 in their first two games.
HARRIS LINE: Decatur by 20
