Kyle Koontz (99) turns to run upfield after making a catch in the Tigers’ season opener against Argonaut this past Friday. Koontz tallied one reception on offense and was credited with two tackles on the defensive side of the ball.
Photo by Ron Harpin.
Sitting at 1-0 is feeling pretty sweet for the Tiger football faithful.
A 20-0 shutout over Argonaut in Minden Friday could be a precursor to the kind of defensive intensity Douglas football is going to put on all year.
This week, Douglas will take its first road trip of the season to Fairfield, Calif. where the Tigers will face Vanden – another CIF section champ from a year ago.
With temperatures in the triple digits all week in Fairfield, Douglas and head coach Kyle Mays are expecting unrelenting heat, even with a 7:30 p.m. kickoff.
“We’re expecting temperatures in the 90s and it’ll just be a tough game,” said Mays. “They’re not going to be a pushover that’s for sure.”
Looking at Vanden’s formations
Offensively, Vanden runs the spread and will open up the field with a dynamic passing attack.
The Vikings won’t just try to muster yardage over the top of the Tiger defense as Mays says every team that plays Vanden this year will have to worry about a talented running back as well.
“They are a good spread team. They run the ball pretty well, but they throw it even better,” said Mays. “They are like Argonaut, but with a better passing game. It’s going to be quite the test for us. They’ve got athletes all over the place.”
On the other side of the ball, The Vikings are going to pack the box and bring extra defenders on blitzes against Douglas.
“They are fast and athletic and it’s going to be hard to get them to back up a little bit,” said Mays. “They play a quarters defense. They mix up their coverages to keep you on your toes.”
Douglas did suffer a couple injuries in their opener as Jack Ross will take over for Sage Adie at tackle. Mays said he’s waiting for test results to come back, but does not anticipate Adie will see the field Friday.
The second year head coach sung Ross’ praises again after Friday night’s win for his ability to switch from guard to tackle and keep the offensive line in rhythm.
With one CIF section champ down, should Douglas be able to topple Vanden Friday – the Tigers will have quickly put Northern Nevada on notice that they are not the same group from a season ago.
