Bulldogs face tall task at home
By Ray Rodriguez
Argus Observer
Thursday, October 16, 2008 12:46 PM PDT
Nyssa — Coming off a solid 34-0 win over Riverside, the Nyssa football team faces its toughest challenge of the season in No. 2 ranked and undefeated Grant Union.
“Last week was a confidence-builder for our team,” Nyssa head coach Lee Long said. “We still turned the ball over too much, but we had good passing efficiency and cut down on our penalties. That game was, by far, our best of the season.”
The key returner for Grant Union is all-state selection, and potent offensive threat, Jimmy Cook.
Cook and the Prospectors are 6-0 on the season and are coming off a 68-6 drubbing of Burns a week ago.
On the year, Grant Union scored a total of 200 points and allowed 51, and appear to be catching a head of steam down the stretch.
The Prospectors bring back a wealth of experienced seniors with the likes of Dustin Lippert, Austin Ranft (QB), Cash Wenick and Cook (RB).
The Nyssa win coupled by a tough 42-39 loss by Vale to Umatilla opens the door slightly for the upstart Bulldogs to get a shot at a playoff berth.
The first task is Grant Union, who Long said is looking to play smashmouth football all the way.
“Obviously, they’re undefeated for a reason,” Long said. “They are a talented group. They’re well-coached, they play hard and they’re successful in executing their gameplan.”
Long believes his team can compete against the Prospectors.
“On any given Friday, a team can be beat,” he said. “You have to believe that not only do you have a chance, but that you belong on the same field as them. We believe we belong. We have improved every week, and we’re looking forward to the opportunity.”
