Stephenville shaking things up offensively

By BRAD KEITH

TheFlashToday.com NEWS & SPORTS – FREE & LOCAL

STEPHENVILLE (October 16, 2015) — Stephenville is mixing it up this week against Snyder in an attempt to generate some offensive excitement.

Or any offense at all.

The Yellow Jackets have not topped 30 points in a single game this season after exceeding that number in 11 of 13 games last season. They are coming off a seven point output against Brownwood, their lowest of the season and lowest since falling to Kilgore, 44-6, in a 2013 state semifinal.

So what’s the answer?

First year head coach Greg Winder doesn’t believe it lies in wholesale changes, but rather in some dual personnel moves. And perhaps in a two-quarterback system. That means, among other things, senior receiver Josh Nowell taking some snaps at QB.

Nowell engineered a game winning drive at quarterback against Everman after sophomore starter Easton Jones was injured early in the drive. Nowell rushed for 44 yards on the drive, and Stephenville ultimately kicked a field goal to win, 10-7.

“Josh is going to play some quarterback just to allow us to do some different things,” Winder confirmed Thursday. “We’re not changing quarterbacks or anything, we’re just adding some things to try and generate some more offense and help our defense out.”

And try to make the playoffs, which Stephenville has done every year since 2003, the only season they missed playoffs since 1988. In a five-team district with four teams advancing, two league wins gets you in for sure and one could very well be all it takes.

That means winning one or two of the next three games. Stephenville visits Snyder at 7:30 p.m. Friday, then hosts Big Spring and visits Abilene Wylie the next two weeks. Snyder beat Big Spring, 49-41, last Friday.

Winder said Snyder is much improved from last season.

“They are. They have some playmakers and their quarterback is playing well,” Winder said.

Snyder knows it can clinch a playoff spot with a win. Stephenville knows its hopes are alive and well with one.

Here’s a look at tonight’s area football slate, with all games kicking off at 7:30 p.m.:

Stephenville at Snyder

Dublin at Marlin

Hico at Tolar

Ranger at Santo

Goldthwaite at De Leon

Gustine at Gordon

Zephyr at Lingleville

FAITH at Gorman