Red Devils will need to slow Hazlewood

By Staff
Scot Beard
VINA – Last Thursday Vina coach Bill Smith watched Hazlewood defeat Tharptown 48-0.
This week Smith had to prepare his team for a home game against Hazlewood.
"They are big and quick and the backs run well," Smith said. "We can't let their speed get to the outside."
During last week's game Smith saw firsthand what can happen when the Golden Bears get the ball towards the sidelines – they usually make big plays.
Smith said in addition to slowing down the Hazlewood players, the Red Devils would have to hold onto the ball if they want to upset the fourth-ranked team in Class 1A.
"We had seven turnovers last week," Smith said "You don't win ball games when you turn it over like that."
With fewturnovers, the outcome might have been different than a 26-24 loss. Smith said Vina only ran about 10 plays during the second half of the game.
Smith was quick to take the blame for the loss.
"The biggest thing was I didn't make adjustments (at halftime) like I needed to," Smith said.