The White County Warriors are preparing for a rivalry matchup against Livingston Academy in the High School Football Game of the Week.
The Warriors (3-3) are looking to build momentum following their 41-21 win over Cannon County. WCHS head coach Mark Frasier said preparation for the Wildcats (5-2, 2-1) starts with trying to find ways to slow down their senior tailback, Kaleb Robinson.
“The running back is very good. I think he’s the key,” said Frasier. “Defensively, we have to stop him. He runs so physically and he’s shifty. Obviously (Raven Carpenter) on the outside, makes some really good plays out there. We’ve got to keep an eye on him. They’re physical up-front again. Defensively, it’s the same. They’re physical, they run to the football and they’re well coached.”
Frasier said taking care of the football and winning the field-position battle will be critical on Friday.
“We’ve got to protect the football,” said Frasier. “I think this will be more of a field-position game then maybe we’ve played in a while. Each team will take their shots, but both teams need to run the ball and control the clock.”
Robinson has been dominant for the Wildcats this season, routinely rushing for over 20 carries and over 100 yards in games. Frasier said his defense has to run to the football when it is in Robinson’s hands.
“We’ve got to run to the football,” said Frasier. “Get to the ball, wrap up and hold on and let the next guy get there to help you out. It’s going to have to be a team effort. He’s a really good player. They’ve got other weapons, but I think he’s the key. We’ve got to focus on stopping him.”
While the Warriors are coming off a win, the Wildcats are coming off a disappointing 38-14 loss against region foe Dekalb County. The Warriors are preparing to take on a motivated LA squad.
“Livingston’s not used to losing games,” said Frasier. “That was something they’re not going to take lightly. They’ll come in here ready to play. I know their coaching staff. They’ll come in here ready to go. They’re a better football team than they showed. I expect them to be really excited here on Friday night.”
The win over Cannon County was the first contest without sophomore quarterback Malaki Dowell, who is out for the season with an injury. Frasier has consistently praised new starter, freshman quarterback Owen Adams. With Adams leading the way, Frasier said he still wants his team to be a running football team.
“We still want to be a running football team,” said Frasier. “We want to run and take our shots when the time comes. We’re not afraid to throw it, but I think for us to be successful long-term we’ve got to be able to grind it out and pound the football.”
The rivalry between Livingston and Sparta has been largely dominated by the Wildcats. Livingston has won the previous four meetings, and nine out of the last ten. The Wildcats topped the Warriors 27-12 in 2019.
Frasier said the rivalry is an important one.
“It means a lot to me, and I think it means a lot to our kids, and I think it means a lot to Livingston as well,” said Frasier. “Two schools that are similar in sizes. They’ve had a lot more success than we have. They’ve dominated the series in this century. We’ve got to do a little bit to get the rivalry sparked back and be competitive. I expect a good game this Friday and I think the rivalry makes it fun.”
Kickoff between the Warriors and Wildcats is set for 7 p.m. It is the High School Football Game of the Week and will be broadcast live on the UCR Facebook page and on Newstalk 107.7 and 1400 the HUB with pregame coverage beginning at 6:45.