If you've ever watched Mike Alstott run the football, then you've basically watched Caleb Spears (SR) run the football. Just a physical, downhill bruiser that doesn't believe in running around a defender.
The big fella' rumbled for 141 yards and 2 TD's on 14 carries last week against the Crossville Lions in the Bears opening 28-6 win.
As strong of an opening game as Spears had, I don't believe those holes will be there against an enormous Geraldine defensive line...not when he's the back the Bulldogs can key on.
If the Bears have their ideal 1-2 punch of Spears and Payne Anderson (JR), then the gameplan may completely change. Which begs the question, "Will Payne Anderson play?"
Anderson, a video game type back that has the potential to score every time he touches the ball, went down with a knee injury late this summer. His status is QUESTIONABLE for the Week 2 regional battle on Friday night.
The Bears have watched film all week, so they're well aware that it isn't in their best interest to line up and run the football 40 times against a very big, but very shallow and inexperienced Bulldogs defense with a number of key players forced to play on both sides of the ball.
Plainview QB Jayse Pruitt (JR) will look to pick on the untested secondary when given the chance. But, will he get the chance? Will Plainview stick with a conservative gameplan or allow the the gunslinger to turn it loose?
Pruitt was a very efficient 8 of 11 for 118 yards and 1 TD (rush). He'll need to exceed that output, especially if Anderson remains sidelined.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Bears wouldn't provide the Bulldogs with any bulletin board material.
"They're a good, physical team. We're going to have to stay low and not make mistakes. They've got some good backs, but we're not concerned with any individual as much as we are executing our gameplan."
-Ian Richards
Gameplan: The Bears will need to bring a balanced ground and air attack that would make Eisenhower proud.
To hear more insight on our interview with Pruitt, Spears, and Richards tune in to the LIVE broadcast on SouthernTorch.com at 6:45 PM this Friday night!
