Andalusia vies for win over Greenville
Published 11:59 pm Thursday, September 24, 2009
The Andalusia Bulldogs will host Class 5A Greenville this Friday night in game five of the 2009 season.
Tonight’s game marks the midway point for both teams’ seasons.
Andalusia is coming off a 33-6 loss to region opponent Jackson last week, while Greenville won at Selma, 41-6.
The Bulldogs (3-1, 2-1 in Class 4A, Region 1) will have to contend with senior defensive end and Division I recruit Kenneth Carter tonight. Carter recently signed to play at Auburn next year.
Andalusia coach Brian Seymore said in order to stop Carter in his tracks, his team will have to do well “up front.”
“We’re going to have to do a good job up front and we’ll have to double-team him if at all possible,” he said. “He’s 6-foot-5, 270 pounds and he’s a big man in the middle. We’re going to run our offense and do what we need to do.
“We’re going to do everything in our power to keep him from destructing our offense,” he said. “Really, it isn’t just Kenneth Carter. They have a well-rounded offense and a well-rounded defense. They have a good team, but he’s definitely a talent and Auburn’s getting a good one.”
Last season, Andalusia traveled to Greenville and fell, 29-0.
Seymore said the approach this year will be different because many mistakes that were made last year have been corrected.
“It’s been a big game in the past,” he said. “We’re going to try and fix our offensive mistakes like the fundamentals of blocking and tackling and making plays; carrying out our assignments.
“But right now, we need to take care of Andalusia and in turn that helps with the problems that Greenville can give us as far as on offense and defense,” he said. “I think if we can take care of the little things on the little aspects of the game, we’ll go out there and execute and we’ll be fine.”
Seymore said he has been pleased with the effort his team has given during practice this week.
“I was really happy with our focus on Monday and Tuesday,” Seymore said. “They came in working with a good attitude. They put the Jackson game behind them and they are looking forward to Greenville.”
Seymore said Greenville likes to employ a variety of schemes on offense.
“Their offense does a lot of motions, mis-directions and stuff like that,” he said. “That may give us some problems, but by Friday night, I think we’ll have them all worked out and that they’ll be ready to play.”
Seymore said Deion Akins will start at quarterback in tonight’s game.
“I think he’s taken control of the offense and wants to be the quarterback and that he’s done a good job,” he said. “He’s only started two games his whole career. The further along we get in the season, the further along he’ll grasp the offense and I think the more productive he’ll be.”
Senior quarterback Kenneth Chambers will be in a reserve position if needed, Seymore said.
“Well use Ken if we need him and he’ll also play in different positions on offense because he’s almost back to 100 percent,” Seymore said.
Injury update
Junior quarterback Adam Zelensky will have shoulder surgery Oct. 12 and will be out for the remainder of the season.