Payette seeks playoff win No. 2 at Timberlake
Ball control key to victory
By Scott Ford
Argus Observer
scottf@argusobserver.com
Friday, November 6, 2009 10:52 AM PST
| |
| Argus Observer file photo
Payette’s Phil Kowalski (31) looks for running room on the outside as a New Plymouth defender chases him down in this Argus Observer file photo snapped earlier this season. The Pirates will need a solid effort from their running game Saturday as they take on Timberlake in the 3A state football quarterfinals. The game will kickoff at 2 p.m. (PST) in Timberlake. |
Timberlake — Last week, the Payette Pirates added another accolade to their football resume, a first-ever postseason victory when the Pirates defeated Kimberly 36-3 to advance to the quarterfinals of the Idaho 3A state football playoffs.
Now, the Pirates are looking at a solid 8-1 Timberlake team that advanced with a convincing 34-6 win over Bonners Ferry.
Payette head coach Troy Gleave said Timberlake runs a variety of offensive sets, including the Wing-T, the double-wing, and will mix in the dive option look.
“We have to shut down their running game and their best runner who runs the trap, dive and belly well,” Gleave said. “We have to rally to the ball on the toss play and stay home for the counter plays they will run.”
Timberlake will show the Pirate offense a 4-3 cover 1 look and will run a lot of defensive stunts to cause confusion on the line.
“We need to hit some passes versus their (Timberlake’s) cover one look,” Gleave said. “We want to get the ball in our play-maker’s hands and find some space to work. We have to be balanced on offense and make them play from sideline to sideline.”
The Pirates come into this playoff game with a 7-2 record, riding a four-game winning streak and a share of the Snake River Valley Conference title.
Offensively, the Pirates have shown the ability to throw the football when needed, but rely on their multiple threat rushing game with running backs like Damian Reynolds and Joey Barbion. Reynolds has tallied 883 rushing yards on 106 carries and has scored 12 touchdowns this season. Barbion has rushed for 272 yard on 56 carries.
Travis Blackwell, can play under center or the tight end spot and he has contributed 306 rushing yards and six scores.
In the passing game, the Pirates have the luxury of having two athletes that can throw the football with success.
Garrett Grotheer and Blackwell have both been under center this season, with Grotheer completing 40 percent of his pass attempts for 588 yards and five touchdowns, and Blackwell completing 31 percent of his tosses for 148 yards and three touchdowns.
With all the offense that the Pirates possess, the story for this team in 2009 has been the play of its self-acclaimed “Black Thunder” defense.
In 2009, the Pirate defense has pillaged opposing teams with 17 interceptions and 12 fumble recoveries, enough to make and opposing team re-think think their offensive scheme.
Leading the team in take-always is Tobby White and Reynolds. Reynolds has four interceptions and two fumble recoveries, while white has four picks.
Payette and Timberlake will hit the field at 2 p.m. (PST) Saturday with the winner advancing to the semifinals against the winner of the Fruitland/Orofino game.
