The Dolores Bears (2-4) host the Center Vikings (3-3) for Friday’s homecoming, after falling to John Mall 32-10 last week.
The Panthers used their size advantage against the Bears defensive line last week – running out of a double-tight I-formation and Maryland-I – to the tune of 343 rushing yards.
This week is a different story.
“We’re more worried about their offense,” said coach Chris Trusler. “They’ve got a big sophomore quarterback who’s like six-foot-four, and he’s really good. We’ve got to stop their passing game this week.”
They’ll look to lineman Kyle Biery – who has five sacks on the season – to get pressure on the Vikings quarterback, and rely on defensive backs Tristen Medina and Jalen Balderrama in the secondary.
Holding things down in the middle will be freshman Forrest Pejsa, who is second in Class 1 with 83 tackles.
Offensively, the Bears might have found a key piece of the puzzle last week by putting junior Tyln Yarbrough into the backfield.
After having little luck moving the ball in the first half against John Mall, Trusler moved Yarbrough from left tackle to fullback in the second half.
The Bears offense began to flow, with Yarbrough picking up blocks in pass protection and creating running lanes.
The Bears’ lone touchdown came in the fourth quarter on a 74-yard run by Josh McCoy.
“Tyln had a great block and opened the hole,” said Trusler. “And Josh McCoy took off.”
Yarbrough had three carries for 15 yards, and converted first downs on a third-and-short and fourth-and-short.
The Bears have dropped three consecutive games, but hope to feed off the homecoming energy in the conference matchup with Center.