PREVIEW: Football looks to break into the win column

The Westside varsity football team didn’t expect to start 0-2, especially not in the way it has (with a 41-0 loss at the hands of No. 2-ranked Bellevue West and a 56-37 loss to now-No. 6-ranked Creighton Prep).

But the Warriors have shown flashes of the team they expected to be, especially defensively. The Warriors have put together stops, forced turnovers and scored on the defensive end of the ball (the team had two defensive touchdowns last week against Creighton Prep).

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Ultimately, though, the team has picked up two losses because of turnovers and difficulty in regaining its composure after losing momentum (as assistant coach Chad Schmeckpeper said after the game against Creighton Prep).

This week, Westside will have a chance to overcome some of its difficulties and get into the win column against the No. 10-ranked Millard South Patriots (1-1).

Millard South boasts size, with linemen on both sides of the ball weighing upwards of 250 pounds, and a defensive lineman who weighs 370 pounds. On the offensive side of the ball, Millard South is heavily run focused, averaging 235.5 yards per game on the ground while averaging under 100 yards through the air.

The Patriots, coached by Andy Means, have two running backs who average over 100 yards rushing per game in 6-foot, 190-pound senior Tanner Woitzel and junior Tyrus Shuler. Woitzel is Millard South’s primary running back.

In the passing game, Millard South is led by senior Jared Renken, who is 13-26 on the year. Renken had seven completions on 13 attempts for 132 yards last week in Millard South’s 44-20 victory over unranked Bellevue East.

For Westside, it will be about using quickness to overcome the size of Millard South.

Offensively, Westside will look to continue its success on the ground, as junior Logan Duryee is averaging 119 yards per game. Additionally, the Warriors will try to use quick passes against Millard South, as its corners play off the ball.

The game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. kickoff at Phelps Field. Westside Wired will have a LiveWired stream of the game and will keep you updated on Twitter and Instagram @westsidewired.

The theme for the game is “Beach.” Make sure to check out our Precap with Jay Bridgeman and KETV weatherman Kyle Gravlin to find out what to wear and what to expect from the weather.

Check back Monday for a recap of the game.