Published: October 02, 2008 10:30 pm      

Memorial tries to find cure for red zone woes

Mark Walker did not have to question his team’s focus last week before they square off against Midwest City. But that task will be a bit more challenging this week, as Edmond Memorial welcomes the winless Putnam City West squad tonight for homecoming.

PC West (0-4) have gotten off to a rough start this year and are still searching for their first victory of the season. The Patriots have struggled this season, and have been outscored 177-39 in their four losses.

Despite the Patriots’ struggles, Walker does not want the ‘Dogs (2-2) to be their first victim.

“It’s homecoming so you’re nervous no matter what, but they have some talent, and we try and not look at record, but just look at how we need to play,” Walker said. “We’ve done a good job this week in practice, and we don’t want to be the team that gives them that first win.”

Offensively, PC West likes to line up in the spread and run a lot of option plays. Dual threat quarterback Dan Farrow can be tough to stop. The junior has rushed for 397 yards and two scores, while also passing for 195 yards and three touchdowns. In last week’s loss to Norman, Farrow ran for 165 yards on 33 carries.

The Patriots have several other playmakers on offense, including Ricky Organ, who has 7 receptions for 81 yards and a touchdown, and Cooper Hahn, who has four catches for 50 yards.

After watching the ‘Dogs offense sputter against Midwest City, Walker is hoping the team’s hard work with their red zone offense will pay off.

“We’ve been working on it this week, we had it down there five times last week, but you need to finish when you’re there,” Walker said. “This is game five and we should be experienced enough.”

The Patriots run a 3-3 stack defense and have several two-way starters. The defensive line is led by Kerry Daniels, who leads the team with 38 tackles and a sack, and Brock Corr. Ryan Tester is a solid linebacker and Farrow is a leader in the secondary with 24 tackles and one pick.

Along with improvements on offense, Walker is looking for strong play on special teams. Last week the ‘Dogs had a field goal blocked and struggled with their kick coverage units.

The ‘Dogs and Patriots are set to kick off at 7:30 p.m. at Wantland Stadium.