There aren’t any postseason implications, but today’s game between the Daviess County and Owensboro football teams will have a major impact in the city-county race.
They have each already played Owensboro Catholic — DCHS (3-1) won 49-26 to start the season, while Owensboro lost 45-32 two weeks ago. Jay Fallin, head coach at OHS (2-2), said it doesn’t take much to get the players motivated for these local games.
“These in-town rivalry games always mean a little extra,” Fallin said. “You can see that with a little bit of extra zip and enthusiasm in practice.”
DCHS head coach Matt Brannon said he could see it in his players all week as well, though it doesn’t change the basic preparations too much.
“It’s mostly doing normal things we would do for any team,” Brannon said of this week’s practice. “But, I think everything is heightened for a city-county game that has a lot of hype to it.”
Brannon knows they are the ones with a target on their back in a rematch from a season ago that ended 33-27 in favor of the Panthers. With Owensboro coming off back-to-back losses, Brannon expects nothing less than a strong attack.
“They’ve had two tough losses against two quality opponents,” Brannon said. “They are a very strong and athletic program. Losing the game against us last year, that probably creates a little revenge factor, especially because it doesn’t happen very often.”
The Panthers only played one quarter against Hancock County before the game was cancelled due to weather, ending 20-0 in favor of DCHS. The Red Devils are coming off 21-12 loss to a talented Bowling Green squad.
Confidence is everything. It’s important to win big games, so it means a great deal to us. — OHS head coach Jay Fallin
Fallin said the key to getting back in the win column will be trying to limit a potent offense that thrives off big plays. Panthers’ quarterback Joey Cambron has thrown for 852 yards and 10 touchdowns on 73-of-123 passing.
DCHS receiver Marquel Tinsley — in only two full games plus one quarter — has caught 22 passes for 364 yards and five touchdowns to lead all 6A receivers. Landon Newman has combined for 529 all-purpose yards and seven scores out of the backfield.
“We play a very difficult schedule, and DC is no exception to that rule,” Fallin said. “They throw the ball very well. They’ve got an excellent quarterback and a bunch of really quality receivers. They have a really good running game behind a great offensive line, so we’re going to have our hands full defensively trying to stop a great offensive attack.”
Brannon said despite the options, the Panthers will have to stay focused to get a win.
“I think Joey has to have the best game he’s had all year for us to win,” he said. “He’s got to be sharp on all his reads and be willing to throw the ball away or use his legs to turn plays into positives. I know they’re going to be able to put pressure on us. The biggest thing for us it the ability to stay balanced so we can keep the playbook open and make our calls.”
Owensboro has their own dangerous offense that is carried by versatile running back Monte Owsley, who’s gained 333 yards and four touchdowns on only 29 rushes in addition to 344 yards and four touchdowns on 22 receptions.
“We have to stop Owsley,” Brannon said. “He’s a game changer. He is they type of player that touches the ball and has the ability to score a touchdown no matter where they are on the field. We’ve got to be aware of where he is all the time on the field.”
Brannon also said they have to plan for OHS quarterback Will Warren, who’s thrown for 1,013 yards and 11 touchdowns on 79-of-133 passing, but has also thrown six interceptions.
“Getting pressure will help try to get Will out of sync,” Brannon said. “He’s a great quarterback and a seasoned veteran. We can’t just let him sit back and pick us apart.”
Fallin said getting a victory tonight would play a big role for the team going forward.
“You want to be confident,” Fallin said. “Confidence is everything. It’s important to win big games, so it means a great deal to us.”
Brannon agreed, but knows it won’t be an easy task for either team.
“I truly believe its going to be a great matchup,” he said. “Across the board, we match up athletically. Up front, we both have good lines. It’s going to be a challenge. It’s going to be up to the coaches to make adjustments and up to the players to make plays.”
