Vandals looking to get back in the win column Oct. 25 at home against Pittsburg
DAVID BARBER
Following a tough competitive 31-23 loss on the road Oct. 18 against the defending Class 4A, Division 2, champion Gilmer Buckeyes, the Van Vandals are now focused on their back-to-back home games on their upcoming schedule in district play.
The Vandals, 5-2 overall and 1-1 in District 7-4A, Division 2, will host the Pittsburg Pirates (1-6, 1-1) who are coming off their first victory of the season over Paris North Lamar Oct. 18 in Pittsburg. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Oct. 25 at Van’s Memorial Stadium.
Current District 7-4A, Division 2, standings show that the Buckeyes and Texarkana Pleasant Grove are 2-0 in district play as those two teams meet in Texarkana Oct. 25.
Van and Pittsburg are tied at 1-1 in the district with Paris North Lamar and Spring Hill currently posting 0-2 district marks as those two teams meet each other Oct. 25 as well.
Vandal Head Football Coach Jared Moffatt is confident that his team will bounce back and be ready to take on Pittsburg following the loss at Gilmer.
“I am confident that we will bounce back, and we have to bounce back,” emphasized Moffatt. “I told them after the game that I was proud of their fight and their mentality they showed against Gilmer. It was a tough loss, but we must turn the page and get ready to play Pittsburg. Everything we talked about is still in front of us. We still have a chance to be in the district championship mix but we need to have Texarkana Pleasant Grove beat Gilmer Friday night. If we can win these next two home games, we have a chance to go to Texarkana Pleasant Grove in the last regular season game and possibly play for a tie for the district championship. Our focus now is on Pittsburg and that is the challenge for our players right now.”
Moffatt discussed his next opponent, the Pirates. “They have struggled, and they are 1-6 right now,” said Moffatt. “Injuries have impacted their season. Keep in mind they are 1-0 in their last game after beating Paris North Lamar. They now have hope. They are rejuvenated after that win. They are coming here Friday night knowing that they have a chance to make the playoffs.”
The Vandal head coach said that the Pirates run a similar offense to Spring Hill which involves a lot of running plays.
“They are predominantly a running team, but they have the ability to throw the ball as well,” emphasized Moffatt. “Their offense provides challenges for us. Defensively, they are an ‘odd-front’ team. Pittsburg has never lacked talent. They always have good players. Our mindset has to be about what is in front of us, not to look back.”
So far as the sub-varsity schedule is concerned Thursday, Oct. 24, the Vandal freshmen will travel to Pittsburg for a 5 p.m. kickoff while the junior varsity team will be visiting Terrell. The junior high teams will host Pittsburg Oct. 24.
For results of the varsity game between the Vandals and the Pirates as well as a preview of the home season finale Nov. 1 against Paris North Lamar, check out www.vanzandtnews.com.