By Chuck Reherman
Sports Editor
In the first five games, Southwest Covenant has not gone deep into the third quarter before mercy ruling opponents.
The Patriots will draw that first challenge Friday night.
SWCS returns home for only the second time this season to host Coyle in a key district C-3 game at Patriot Field. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
The Bluejackets enter the game with a 3-1 overall record and a 1-0 district mark. Coyle has had two weeks to prepare for the contest. Coyle beat Medford 44-20 in their last outing on Sept. 20.
SWCS and Coyle have met the last three seasons and the Patriots have won those meetings. But, the Bluejackets are a more experienced this season and will be a threat.
“Coyle is a good team, they will be the best team we have played this year,” Patriot head coach Trey Cloud said. “They have speed, are very athletic and have some size. They will be a good test for us.
“We are looking to get better and continue to improve as a team,” he said. “We need to gang tackle a little better and take that next step again this week. We need to be a little more patient with the passing game.”
Coyle did make it to the quarterfinals last year and is led by quarterback Brenden Weathers. Runningbacks Robert Taylor and Austin Smith give the Bluejackets a 1-2 running punch.
Jakoby Ruff (6-4, 330) anchors the front line. The defense is led by Myklie Davis and Trey Henning.
Coyle will face a Patriot team that has been explosive on offense. SWCS has outscored their opponents 270-30 in five games (a 52-6 difference). Trevor Kelly has led the team in rushing and scoring and is also a threat on special teams. He already has five punt returns for touchdowns.
Ben Webb has not had to throw the ball very much, but has been accurate and has nine touchdown passes. Will Haas, Cole Shaw, Jesse Deason and Tyler Kelly have all be targets this season.
The defense has played well in the first five games and the first team has allowed only two scores.
“We know this game will be our toughest to date and that a win over Coyle will put us in good position in the district race,” Cloud said. “We need to go out and play our game. It will be good to play at home again.”
