WHITMIRE — The Whitmire High School Wolverines will play their third region game tonight against the Dixie High School Hornets.
The Wolverines currently have a 3-5 overall record and a 1-1 region record, the Hornets have an overall 5-3 record and a 1-1 region record.
The Wolverines had a major goal this year — host a playoff game — but to do that, they must win tonight’s game.
Head Coach Charlie Jenkins said to do this they cannot make a whole bunch of changes.
“We are what we are, we simply must do a better job of doing what we do,” he said.
The Wolverines have defeated the Hornets the last two years, but the Hornets have a new coach and new energy. They also run the same offense that the Wolverines run, Double Wing, which he says suits their personnel.
“This will be a sumo wrestling match. Two similar teams knocking heads for 48 minutes. The team that can stay disciplined on their assignments will win. We cannot take any plays off,” Jenkins said.
For the Wolverines offense to get past the Hornets, Jenkins said they will have to have 11 guys doing their jobs on every play.
The Wolverines have not won a home game this season. Jenkins said nothing has been easy this year, adding that the teams they lost to at home this year are all ranked in the state poll, and are having a great season. Lewisville is currently 6-1, Bethune-Bowman is 5-1 and Wagner-Salley is 5-2.
“So there is no shame in who we have lost to. We schedule those games knowing we would be tested, but home games should be a great advantage. Sometimes there are more distractions when you play at home,” he said. “I know our seniors are intent on not going winless at home in their final season.”
When it comes to the biggest challenge tonight, Jenkins said it is hard for anybody to be focused on a task for two hours straight, but that is what they have to do to win.
“I quit making predictions, we have been inconsistent so it is hard to tell what team will show up for us Friday. If we are focused we will win Friday, if we are not focused we could get embarrassed,” he said.
Tonight’s game will kick off at 7:30 p.m. in Whitmire.