WHITMIRE — The Whitmire High School Wolverines will be back at their home field tonight when they battle it out against the Bethune-Bowman High School Mohawks for the Wolverines Homecoming game.
The Wolverines are currently 2-3 and the Mohawks are 4-1.
“Coach Tucker has done a good job down there. He is instilling a winning spirit for the Mohawks, their speed and athleticism will be a challenge for us,” said Charlie Jenkins, head coach of the Wolverines.
Last week the Wolverines played against Branchville High School. During that game neither team scored for the first three quarters.
Jenkins does not anticipate this happening again tonight.
“I think we will be able to move the ball on them, and I am hoping we can limit their big plays with our defense,” Jenkins said.
In preparation for taking on the the Mohawks, a speed team, the Wolverines have been focusing on three areas during practice.
“Offensive lineman staying low and maintaining their blocks, backs hitting the holes quicker, defensively we are working on tackling in space,” Jenkins said.
Jenkins added that he fears this game will be battle of styles and wills. He said it may be the Mohawks’ spread offense, with their quick athletes versus the Wolverines methodical ball control offense.
“If we play good team defense and if we can take care of the ball on offense, we will win this week,” he said.
Tonight’s game is also the Wolverines’ Homecoming game, which could mean an even bigger crowd for the Wolverines. Jenkins said this will increase the pressure on tonight’s game.
“We have not won at home this year, and you always want to play well in front of the home crowds. Our community has really rallied around the football team and we want to keep that good vibe going,” Jenkins said.
Jenkins is looking forward to winning a home game, singing the Alma Mater with the team while the band plays right after the game and then getting hugs from his family.
“That would be a perfect Friday,” he said.
Tonight’s game will kick off at 7:30 p.m. in Whitmire.