The Livingston Academy Wildcats are exiting their bye week looking to stop a two game-losing streak. They’ll have an opportunity to do it Friday night when they take on the rival York Institute Dragons at home.
The Wildcats (5-3, 2-1) have had a strong week of preparation as they prepare for the Dragons (2-6, 2-2).
“I’ve been really pleased,” said LA head coach Bruce Lamb. “It’s been a great week of practice. They’ve come back rejuvenated. We’ve had some bumps and bruises healed up and I think we’re ready to go.”
The Wildcats had dropped two straight entering the bye week, with losses against Dekalb County and White County. Lamb said the bye week came at a perfect time.
“I think there couldn’t have been a better time,” said Lamb. “It lined up perfect for us. It was time for a little break. They got away and enjoyed a week off and came back ready to play. I think it was absolutely perfect for us.”
The Dragons suffered a slow start to the 2020 season, but are playing good football and coming off a 43-14 win over Sequatchie County.
“They’re huge,” said Lamb on the Dragons. “They’re big and they’re physical. Typical York team. They’ve got some pretty good athletes. They’re very physical. They’re going to hit you right in the mouth and we’ve got to respond to it. It’s going to be tough.”
The Dragons boast a strong run-defense. Lamb said their aggressiveness makes it difficult to run the football.
“It’s tough to run against them because they are so aggressive against the run,” said Lamb. “We’re going to have to do a good job of getting a body on a body and open up some holes. What we need to understand is four yards is a great play. We need to line up and not make mistakes.”
The Wildcats rolled through the middle portion of the season before the Dekalb County matchup, winning four consecutive games. Lamb said he has seen his team’s confidence return after a strong fourth quarter against White County and a good week of preparation.
“I have (seen it return) this week,” said Lamb. “At the end of the fourth quarter against Sparta, you could see the confidence level came back. We’ll just see what happens this Friday night. Hopefully it’s going to be a good night.”
Kickoff between the Wildcats and Dragons is set for 7 p.m. in Livingston.