Schlaich looking forward to defensive challenge
Weiser’s offensive game plan an unknown variable
By Ray Rodriguez
Argus Observer
Friday, October 24, 2008 11:17 AM PDT
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| Argus Observer File Photo
The Fruitland defense swarms a Buhl running back in this Argus Observer file photo taken during last year’s 3A state football playoffs. The Grizzly defense is facing one of its toughest challenges this week in cross-county rival Weiser at 7 p.m. today in Fruitland. |
Fruitland — So many variables are on the line today in Fruitland, as the Weiser Wolverines come to town to battle cross-county rival Fruitland with a tie for first-place on the line in a Snake River Valley Conference showdown.
“It’s a game of mutual respect. This game means a lot for both teams playoff-wise,” Fruitland head coach Bruce Schlaich said. “If they beat us, this throws us into a first-place tie with them. For us, this gives us a chance to clinch a No. 1 seed and remain undefeated going into the first round of the playoffs.”
The Wolverines enter action off a bye and are riding a two-game winning streak, but the streak has put them in position to earn a state playoff berth.
Weiser has had two weeks off, and that has Schlaich thinking the Wolverines could have some tricks up their sleeves.
“We’re not foolish enough to believe with two weeks off that we’re not going to see some new wrinkles to their offense,” Schlaich said. “They could come out with a spread formation and throw the ball around, or they could pound it out. We’re prepared for anything and everything we might see.”
The two Weiser tricksters appear to be running back Trent Winegar and quarterback Gavin Eisenbarth.
Winegar has gobbled up a team-leading 904 yards rushing, while Eisenbarth has thrown for 773 yards for the Wolverine offense, which has racked up 178 total points this season.
“I think Trent’s a great weapon for them. He’s very solid. He runs extremely hard, and obviously he’s a threat,” Schlaich said. “I think Gavin’s the top quarterback in the league. There’s no question about that. He’s a threat running the ball and throwing the ball.”
Schlaich said, with the success of the Weiser passing game, the defensive backfield will be faced with its toughest assignment.
“Our defensive backs are ready to be challenged,” he said. “We feel like they’re going to have to play their best game. In order to be successful, they have to keep Weiser between the 20s (yard line). It will depend on what we see as to what we do. I’m sure John (Weiser head coach John Srholec) has some things up his sleeve. We will call on our defense from what we see offensively from them.”
Several calls made to Weiser’s coach Srholec were not returned.
