The Douglas football team will enter Saturday's showdown at Bishop Manogue hoping to solve some of the issues that cropped up during last week's season-opener against Reed.
However, any improvements will have to come without senior starting quarterback Zack Williams (16 completions for 172 yards and a touchdown vs. Reed), who will likely miss the game with a foot injury.
Instead, the starting nod will likely go to junior Sam Cochran, who will get his first varsity game experience in the Northern 4A league opener for both teams. Kickoff is slated for 1:30 p.m. in South Reno.
Cochran has drawn comparisons to 2007-08 starter Tim Rudnick for his game management capabilities and ability to see the field. He is coming off two successful seasons at the JV and freshman levels.
The biggest bright spot in week 1 for Douglas was the defense, which held one of the region's best and most balanced offenses in check to the tune of 258 total yards and just 46 in the second half despite being outsized on the line.
Connor Hughes had an interception for Douglas and Zach Falanga and Conner Peterson each had a pair of sacks.
The early defensive strength is a plus heading in against a Miner squad that has averaged 36 points a game through the first two weeks.
Manogue blasted Galena 31-0 to open the year at home and then pulled away late 41-28 at Damonte Ranch last week.
Zach McElroy has completed 22 of 37 passes for 327 yards so far for an offense that also features two standout running backs, Kenny Rogers (212 yards) and Gino Rossi (220 yards).
Offensively, Douglas will look to establish its running game after managing just 77 yards on the ground against the tough Reed defense.
Junior wide receiver Nick Maestretti had a breakout game last week, catching six passes for 83 yards and a touchdown and returning a kick 87 yards for a touchdown.
