Raiden Barnes (66) blocks against Carson on Friday. Douglas’ offensive line has helped the Tigers score 103 points in the last two games.
Photo by Ron Harpin.
It’s essentially a new season for Douglas High football as the Tigers enter Class 5A Division II league play with a 4-1 record.
Douglas’ league record is what matters from here on out as the Tigers look to prove that they belong in Northern Nevada’s toughest division. The first league test is Friday at Reno High.
HUSKY AIR ATTACK
The Huskies have 1,068 yards of offense through three games and nearly three-quarters of their yards have come through the air.
For Wolf Pack fans, there’s a familiar face on the Reno sideline: Former Nevada quarterback Carson Strong is in charge of the offense.
The Tigers’ secondary will be the priority Friday.
“Coach Strong has those guys going,” said Douglas coach Kyle Mays. “They run a lot of 3-by-1 sets and 2-by-2. Braylon Wilson (No. 7) is pretty good at it. He’s got a cannon and he moves around the pocket enough to really, really give you some fits if you don’t control that.”
Wilson’s favorite targets this season have been Dawson Planeta (No. 5) and Logan Ford (No. 11), who have racked up 293 and 226 yards receiving, respectively.
“They’ll get deep on you if you’re not paying attention. That O-line gives them plenty of time to throw. We have to figure out a way to get some pass rush and speed up the clock in his head a little bit,” Mays said.
On defense, Reno will bring some varied pressure that Mays said Douglas hasn’t seen.
The Huskies have limited the deep plays, allowing their secondary to creep up into the box and help with slowing the opponent’s rushing offense.
Reno’s top two tacklers are Aiden Goss (No. 1) and Caellum Leary (No. 10).
“(Leary is) all over the field. He’s a big physical kid. We have to watch out for No. 1, too. We have to control those guys in the box and, if not, it’ll be a long day for us,” said Mays.
The Huskies are credited with 19 tackles for loss in their three games and have forced seven turnovers.
DYNAMIC DOUGLAS
The Tigers put up 56 points against North Valleys two weeks ago and 47 last week against Carson.
Mays gave high praise to his offensive line after its performance against the Senators.
“Our offensive line did a pretty good job protecting,” said Mays. “They do a good job week in and week out and blocking for the running backs.”
Luiz Vega, Michael Cahill, Raiden Barnes, Justin Parra-McGee and Peio Ithurburu were several names that Mays mentioned he was impressed with Friday.