An undefeated run through the district earned the Owensboro football team a top seed for the state playoff, but it doesn’t necessarily mean they have an easy opening game at home today.
Head coach Jay Fallin said this week’s game against Greenwood (2-8) could be tougher for the Red Devils (8-2) than the stat book may show.
“Greenwood’s record is deceptive,” he said. “I’d say there aren’t many teams in the state that have played a tougher schedule than we have week in and week out, but they may be one that has. They’ve played three of the teams that have been consistently ranked in the top 5 in 5A all year. They’re in a really tough district.”
The Gators’ district opponents who made the playoffs — including an undefeated South Warren squad — only have a total of five losses all year. Greenwood enters on a five-game losing streak, but Fallin said Owensboro isn’t going to overlook them.
“They’re not a typical four-seed,” he said. “We may be a more talented and experienced team, but it’s not the gap in talent and experience you typically have when a one plays a four seed. We better be focused and ready to play on Friday night. They’re good at what they do and they’ve got some talented players.”
Should they win game one, the Red Devils will try to make another deep run after getting bounced in the first round last year. After coming out on the wrong side of several close games last season, Owensboro has put together a strong 2018 campaign to be better poised for the playoffs.
They dropped a pair of games early in the year, but have since won six consecutive contests while outscoring opponents 256-68. They’ve done so by playing well in all aspects of the game with contributions from several different players.
Will Warren has been solid at quarterback, throwing for 2,610 yards and 31 touchdowns with 10 interceptions. Dynamic running back Monte Owsley has also been a big playmaker, tallying 669 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground to go along with 818 yards and eight scores as a receiver.
The offense has also has big playmaking ability with running back Tre Green (657 yards, 8 touchdowns rushing) and receivers Tyren Hayden (647 yards, 6 touchdowns) and Treyvon Tinsley (419 yards, 9 touchdowns).
Defensively, Austin Gough (113 tackles, 2 fumble recoveries, 1 interception) has been tough to block, while Carson Brooks (50 tackles, 5 sacks) consistently gets in the backfield.
Though there are a few players that the Red Devils have been able to count on in big moments, Fallin said it’s going to take everyone to advance.
“That’s the great thing about football is it’s a team game,” he said. “If 10 guys on the field do their job and one doesn’t, it still can result in a negative play. We need everybody to step up. We can’t afford to be relying on the so-called stars that have gotten us to this point.”
Fallin said his guys are ready and look forward to a chance to make it further than last year’s team. As they begin the postseason, Fallin said it doesn’t take much effort to raise the energy and get the team ready to compete.
“When you get into playoff time, there’s always a little more excitement and enthusiasm because you know what’s on the line,” he said. “If you don’t win, you’re going to be turning your equipment in on Monday. There’s always a little bit more urgency and focus.”
