Parklane Academy football coach Mike Powell said Oak Forest Academy presents an entirely different challenge than what the Pioneers faced last week.
Parklane travels to Amite, La., fresh off its 45-6 victory at home over Bowling Green in the season opener. Oak Forest bombed Copiah 32-14 in its season opener.
The Yellowjackets attack from primarily a double slot.
“Big and physical is the first thing that pops out at you watching film,” Powell said. “Offensively, they run right at you running downhill. They have a lot of mis-direction and power plays and use the passing game off that stuff.”
Against Copiah, quarterback Carter Capdeboscq was 5 of 11 passing for three touchdowns and approximately 165 yards. Wide receiver Matthew Gill caught two scoring passes from 43 and 21 yards out, while tight end Tyler Cutrer had a 60-yard touchdown reception.
The Yellowjackets also got a 1-yard touchdown burst from 200-pound tailback Rhase Reese. Defensive back Dylan Dover returned an interception 48 yards for a score.
“The biggest thing is we need to play our responsibilities on defense,” Powell said. “(Oak Forest) runs a lot of motion. If they catch you playing out of position, that can take advantage of you. They’re going to find a hole in your weak area and exploit it.”
Parklane was led defensively last week by senior end Tyler Stutzman, who finished with five solo tackles, including two for loss. He also had four assists. Linebacker Walt Aldridge finished with 31/2 tackles.
Parklane junior quarterback Brady Lea directed the Pioneers to 321 total yards against the Bucs. Lea was 6 of 9 passing for 135 yards and two touchdowns.
“I thought we executed pretty well last week,” Powell said. “We ran the ball well. The offense was a definite improvement from the scrimmage (with Centreville) to Week 1. We expect more of the same this week. We’ll just see how Oak Forest lines up and plays us.”
Lea’s 73 yards rushing on 10 carries led the squad and senior running back Joseph Clark scored three times on short runs.
“I thought we did OK last week, but I still don’t know where we are yet,” said Jason Brabham, who is in his 12th season leading the Jackets. “I thought Parklane looked good on film. They just dominated Bowling Green. Their backfield is very athletic. It’s looking like they’ll have their best team in some time.”
Oak Forest uses a four-man front defensively. Defensive back Caleb Brumfield, Riggins, a linebacker, and cornerback Dave Smith were the leading tacklers last week against Copiah.
“We have the potential to be physical,” Brabham said.
