Prescott-New Richmond gridiron match-up could be another close one
Prescott and New Richmond have played several close prep football games over the past couple of season and another close match-up could be in store Friday.
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PRESCOTT - Prescott and New Richmond have played several close prep football games over the past couple of season and another close match-up could be in store Friday.
The Cardinals and Tigers square off in a key Middle Border Conference match-up at Laney Field. Kick-off is at 7 p.m.
NR defeated PHS 21-20 last season in New Richmond. The year before Prescott lost to the Tigers 14-7; in 2007 it was 20-7 and in 2006 it was 10-6. The Cards' last win over New Richmond came in 2005 and it was also last non-close contest between the two schools, 28-0.
New Richmond is 2-2 overall and 1-1 in the MBC, coming off a big win over Durand while Prescott, with the same record, comes into the ballgame after a 33-7 loss at home to Somerset. If this game is to be close once again PHS head coach Matt Smith said the Cardinals have to give themselves a chance unlike last week.
"We made so many little mistakes (several turnovers and a blocked punt the Spartans turned into touchdowns in the second quarter) Somerset took advantage of we really don't know what the outcome would have been if it had been a clean game," Smith said. "That's the disappointing part and something we have to avoid tonight. Fortunately what happened last week had the team really focused in practice this week to make sure we have better play on our part."
New Richmond likes to move the ball on the ground led by running back Cody Taubman, who has nearly 600 yards rushing this season along with five touchdowns. NR's leading receiver is Justice Harvieux with 11 catches for 175 yards and three scores.
The Tigers like to run and have the size up front to do so, but they also are one of the faster teams in the league according to Smith.
"They have a lot of team speed and like to run sweeps," Smith said. "Hopefully the wet field will slow them down and even the odds a bit. Our defense has been tackling well and playing physical so I'm confident we'll be able to match-up with them. Hopefully our offense we'll be successful with quick-hit plays to keep them off balance."
The prep football season is at the midway point and the games only get bigger for teams looking to make the playoffs. A win by Prescott would be huge for their chances, as would an Ellsworth win at No. 9 ranked Somerset, also in MBC play. The Panthers will try for a winning streak now having won their first game in three years 35-12 over Amery last week.
Speaking of big game match-ups, the South Lakeland Conference features two this week as No. 8 ranked Plum City travels to Lake Holcombe and Elmwood is at Clayton Saturday afternoon with the kick-off at 2 p.m. in this Homecoming match-up. Both teams are 3-1 with the Bears led by quarterback Tyler Ketz. While Ketz and the Bears have the recent reputation of being pass happy, it was actually their ground game that help them down Alma-Pepin last week 26-18 as Ketz ran for 112 yards on 16 carries.
In a rare non-conference match-up at this point of the season, Spring Valley hosts Clear Lake at Syverson Park.
Tags: prep football, prep, prescott
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