Tigers look to shore up defense

Published 12:05 am Wednesday, September 10, 2008

CENTREVILLE — Lots of questions marks still surround the Centreville Academy football team as it heads into its first district game of the season, and that’s something that has the coaches concerned.

Centreville is still trying to figure out what to do on defense as they travel to face Central Private Friday night in their MPSA District 5-AA opener.

“Defense right now is a big question mark,” Centreville assistant coach Brian Stutzman said. “We’re trying a lot of different personnel at different positions. We’ve got to figure out some continuity with the defense. Right now it’s killing us.”

Email newsletter signup

Centreville gave up 35 points to Parklane in a 35-27 loss two weeks ago but played better in a 35-7 win over Adams County Christian last Saturday.

However, Central Private comes into the game with an explosive offense, having beaten Huntington 41-13 and Amite School Center 34-6.

“They are a lot like us in the fact that they want to run the ball first,” Stutzman said. “They’ve got a new quarterback that they run the veer option with. He’s a pretty shifty kid, but he can throw the ball well.”

However, Stutzman said the key to stopping Central Private’s offense is containing their running back, Bobby Muse.

“He’s returning as a junior and is a lot bigger and stronger (than last year),” Stutzman said. “He’s the man that we’re going to have to stop.”

Must runs behind a powerful offensive line that Stutzman said might give Centreville problems.

“They have a big offensive line that’s played varsity together for three years,” Stutzman said. “They’re big and powerful and will get after you. We’re hoping the defense will step up.”

It is especially important for that to happen this week as it is the Tigers’ district opener.

“We’re looking at this as the biggest game we’ve played this year,” Stutzman said. “We need to get off to a strong start in our first district game.”