Even with a 9-1 record and a perfect run through district play, Owensboro is looking to keep getting better ahead of Friday’s first-round playoff matchup with Muhlenberg County.
The Red Devils made easy work of a 54-0 victory over the Mustangs in Class 5A District 1 action in early October and will be heavy favorites for another lopsided win, but Owensboro head coach Jay Fallin said his team can’t lose focus.
“It’s really important to continue to have great attention to detail every day,” Fallin said. “We need to make sure we’re getting better every week so that when we have an opportunity to play, we’ve prepared as well as we can.”
The defense is already playing at a high level for the Red Devils, having allowed an average of 6.7 points and recording four shutouts in the regular season.
Though the offense has at times struggled with turnovers and finishing drives, they’re still averaging about five touchdowns per game.
“While we haven’t attained the offensive perfection we’re striving for and we’ve got plenty of room to grow, we believe as a program that championships are won and lost by defense.” Fallin said. “As long as we’re playing well on defense, we feel like we’ve got an opportunity to beat everybody.”
The defensive success has been mostly a team effort, though statistical leaders include Cam Thompson (4 fumble recoveries), Julius Eberhart (4 interceptions) and Kobe Skortz (62 tackles, 11.5 sacks).
Quarterback Gavin Wimsatt has led the way for the offense. In addition to 1,929 yards and 22 touchdowns as a passer, he’s the leading rusher with 400 yards and 10 scores on the ground. Treyvon Tinsley and Tyren Hadyen are a pair of quick receivers who have combined for 17 touchdowns and nearly 1,200 yards.
Mustangs’ quarterback Bronzy Healy can be dangerous outside the pocket, and he’s got five touchdowns each through the air and on the ground.
Their offense relies heavily on a rushing attack, which is led by Jamie Bullock (433 yards, 3 TDs), Caden Revelette (427 yards, 4 TDs) and Alec Drake (334 yards, 5 TDs). Drake missed the first game against OHS.
“They’ve got some talented ball carriers,” Fallin said. “They play an option style of football, and any time you face that you have to be really assignment sound and make sure everybody is doing their assignment, or you can get burned by a big gain.”
The 1-seed Red Devils host the 4-seed Mustangs at 7 p.m. Friday. With a win, Owensboro would host a second-round game against the winner of Graves County vs. Grayson County.
Fallin said the Red Devils are hoping for deep run this postseason, but they are focusing on one week at a time.
“At this point in the season when it’s win or go home, you have to be at your best at all times,” he said. “We’re focused on Muhlenberg County, but also on the fact that it’s the time of year where you have to have your best effort and your best focus in practice every day because you have to continue getting better.”
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