Westover-Dougherty set for Friday night rivarly game

ALBANY — It’s been a long layoff for the Dougherty football team.

When the Trojans take the field tonight at Hugh Mills Stadium, it will be their first game in three weeks after having a bye during the second week of the season, then being forced to cancel last week’s game against Berrien due to Hurricane Hermine.

“We went back and worked on some things we did wrong in the Turner County game,” Dougherty coach Corey Joyner said. “We tried to work on some depth and find some guys who could help us out on special teams so the older guys don’t have to play so much.”

Before the long layoff, the Trojans’ offense looked strong in the season opener. Dougherty fell to Turner County 34-32, but quarterback Anphrenee Jordan combined for four touchdowns.

The real issue in Dougherty’s season opener was its defense, or lack thereof. All of Turner County’s touchdowns came on plays of 29 yards or more.

Joyner said it was evident that depth was an issue for Dougherty in the Trojans’ opener.

“We recognize our guys were getting tired,” he said. “A lot of the plays that we should have made, it was due to kids being out of position because a lot of our players play on both sides of the ball.”

Westover, who opened the season with a loss to Monroe, bounced back last week against Albany. After being shut out in the opener, the Patriots put up 26 points against the Indians.

The Westover offense was paced by a strong rushing attack. Sophomore running backs Johnathan Mock and Daveon Sanders each eclipsed the 100-yard mark. Mock finished the night with 160 yards and two touchdowns, while Sanders registered 182 yards and a touchdown.

“The rushing game will be equally as important this week,” Westover coach Octavia Jones said. “Getting our run game established is really the focus of our offense so it will be important this week.”

Jones and the Patriots are hoping to use Dougherty’s break in between games to their advantage.

“I think it could be an advantage for us,” Jones said. “They might have to shake off a little rust, but I’m pretty sure coach Joyner and his staff are going to have those kids ready to play.”

The game is set to get underway at 7:30 p.m.