In his fourth game as head coach at South Spencer High School, John Edge is making his return to Owensboro Catholic, only this time it’s on the opposite sideline.
Edge spent 14 seasons at the helm for the Aces, compiling a 130-52 record in that span. Now, he’s returning to try to take down an OCHS team coming off a big 45-32 win over Owensboro.
While Edge said he’s got a good relationship with the Aces’ staff, the focus will be on winning the game — everything off the field can come later. South Spencer (Rockport, Ind.) is looking for its first win of the year, so that takes priority.
“This is another business trip,” Edge said. “All summer I’ve been asked ‘How will it feel coaching against Catholic?’ To be honest, I don’t know how. It will be a good question after the game.”
First-year Aces’ head coach Jason Morris had similar feelings. The two coaches have a constant line of communication, but this week is all about continuing their success.
“If not daily, we talk at least weekly about our opponents,” Morris said. “We have a good relationship with each other, but we’re both trying to win Friday night.”
That’s not to say either one wants to come out and embarrass the other, but Morris said his players have shown some extra motivation in practice. He wants to make sure they keep their heads straight and honor the legacy Edge left.
“I’d be lying if I said the kids didn’t want a little extra this week,” Morris said. “Coach Edge was here for so long, and I think they want to put on a good show while he’s here. They think a lot of coach Edge. We all do. He means a lot to the Owensboro Catholic football program. I told the boys the biggest compliment they can give to coach Edge would be to play their hardest on every snap.”
Edge said after watching films from the first three OCHS games, he’s expecting the Aces to put up a good fight.
“The OHS-Catholic game was an exciting game to watch on film,” he said. “After watching their DC, Memorial and OHS games, they simplified things and pulled out a big win. The team and coaches played and called a great game, especially in the second half.”
Morris agreed his team played well to close out the game, so now he’s hoping they can keep improving and play that way from start to finish. He said he’s trying to get his players to understand that they have high potential to be a very good football team, and they can’t take a step back against South Spencer.
“We’re taking this week like any other week, and we’re trying to fix mistakes that we made and trying to get better, and the kids have responded well,” Morris said. “We’re still trying to get better at stopping the run, as well as putting four quarters together. I thought we played really good for a quarter and a half to finish the game last week is, which is good.”
Edge said between talking with Morris and watching their game tape, he’s sure OCHS will figure things out and be difficult to beat going forward.
“They are playing great, and if they can stay healthy, they will be a tough opponent in the playoffs, especially since the region is at home this year,” Edge said. “When you get to play at home, that’s a huge benefit, and I believe coach Morris will have them ready.”
