Magnolia Heights will bring a physical team to Colts Field Friday night, according to Lee Academy Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Rick Johnston.
“We’ve got to play better defensively and on special teams,” Johnston analyses the situation.
Overall, Johnston is pleased with the way the Colts played, but says a pick six and allowing a touchdown on a kickoff return was just too much to overcome against a good football team like Marshall who beat the Colts, 35-20, in the season opener.
“Plus, we have to get in shape,” he smiled. “I think our kids see the value of our conditioning program now.”
Junior quarterback Brett Wilson looked more comfortable in the pocket against the Patriots than he did in the jamboree, going 11-for 15 for 69 yards passing but there were those three interceptions. One of the picks was caused by one of his receivers leading a defensive player into Wilson’s line of fire and another was caused by a bad read on Wilson’s part. The third pick was just a good defensive play.
“I think Brett will get better as the season moves forward,” Johnston says.
Sophomore kicker Michael Basha drew praise from his coach as he made good on two of three extra points in his first game as the placement specialist.
“The blocked PAT was not his fault,” Johnston said. “Our line didn’t execute properly on that play.”
Magnolia Heights lost its opener, 38-10, to Madison-Ridgeland Academy (MRA) and comes to Clarksdale matching Lee at 0-1.
Lee didn’t suffer any injuries in its opening game, which is a blessing, according to Johnston.
“We can’t afford any injuries,” the head coach says flatly. “We are thin as it is and we don’t have much beef.”
Johnston will go with the same starters this week. Wilson will open at quarterback with running back Hayes Clegg. Slots will be Evan Watts and Seth Campbell with Phillip Brownlee and Nickos Nolan handling the wide out position.
Rutledge Agostinelli will again open at center flanked by guards Owen Williamson and Shane Griffin with Crawford Allen and Andrew Williamson at tackles.
Defensively, Johnston will start Clegg and Griffin at tackle with Jackson Young seeing action there as well. Andrew Williamson and Allen will be the defensive ends with Watts and Jeffrey Corso at outside linebacker. Campbell and Murphy will serve as inside linebackers.
Andrew Morson and Nolan will be the cornerbacks and Wilson will again be the safety.
Wilson will be the punter and Basha will handle placements and kick off.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
