ROGERS — For different reasons, Rogers and Fort Smith Southside feel like they need to score every time they get the ball.
The Rebels are worried about Rogers' quick-scoring offense, which has averaged 51 seconds in its 16 touchdown drives. Eleven of those drives have taken less than a minute off the clock.
"We can't waste series on offense or turn it over and give them an extra series in a game just because they've been scoring so many points," Southside coach Jeff Williams said.
Southside (2-1) comes to Mountie Stadium for tonight's 7A-West Conference opener with a strong running attack, something that has given Rogers (2-1) problems this season.
Rogers allowed 84 points and 774 rushing yards to run-oriented teams Webb City, Mo., and Van Buren.
"The biggest thing we have to do is not have a few turnovers and score a lot of points," said coach Ronnie Peacock, whose team lost five turnovers in last year's 27-13 loss at Southside. "We need to keep them from having the ball.
"Their running game is going to be aconcern for us as far as them keeping the ball. We have to take advantage of every possession we have."
The Rebels rotate three backs through a running game fueled by a big offensive line.
Senior Chris Dolan (6-foot-2, 265) anchors the line and the Rebels have two senior tight ends - Carl Neumeier (6-2, 210) and Alex Nolan (6-3, 240) - to help clear the way for a new set of running backs.
"The last two games (the offensive line has) played pretty physical," Williams said. "It's a group we felt like going into the season would have a chance to be pretty good."
Senior David Adair (5-5, 170) was a backup behind All-State selection Daniel McGee and All-Conference pick Anthony Warren last year.
He leads the ground attack, with a leaguehigh 336 yards after back-to-back 100-yard games.
"He was a good enough player to play last year, he was just kind of behind two veteran guys," Williams said. "David waited for his time and he's played really well."
Adair shares the backfield with junior Lee Hollis (5-11, 210) and sophomore Julius Jones (5-8, 190).
"We like to keep them fresh," Williams said of his three different backs. "We mix and match as much as possible."
Sports, Pages 7, 8 on 09/25/2009