1 week Ago By Lauren Rosenberg
After capping off the regular season with a 28-7 win over Whitehouse, the Marshall Mavericks (8-2, 5-1) host the Montgomery Bears (8-2, 5-2) at Maverick Stadium on Friday, Nov. 15 at 7 p.m.
The Bears officially finished third in Class 5A Region II-District 8 play with a 5-2 record, tied with Huntsville and and Nederland. Due to tiebreaker rules, Montgomery is making the 199-mile trip to Marshall instead of hosting. With the Mavericks finishing second in District 10 play, they earned their way to hosting the bi-district round in front of Marshall faithful.
Montgomery is unlike any team Marshall has faced this season. The Bears run a two quarterback system with Jack Merryman (691 yards and nine touchdowns) and Reggie Williams (862 yards and eight touchdowns). Both quarterbacks have a similar way of playing with their ability to throw out of the pocket and make plays.
“Both of their quarterbacks are very good. The plan to slow them down is the same. Both can run and throw.
We need to be gap sound to keep them in the pocket. Our defensive backs will have to keep their eyes on their keys,” said Coach Jason Hammett. What makes Williams the main threat is not only his arm but the way he uses his legs.
He is one of the most accurate passers out of the pocket but also has elite speed and ability to scramble and make big plays on the ground. He rushed for 956 yards and 13 touchdowns during the regular season. “Our defensive front has play physically with their big offensive.
When the line opens holes and gives him time they have been very special on offense. Tackling is critical. [We] cant allow him to get unearned yards by missing tackles,” said Hammett.
On defense, the Bears have two linebackers who are some of the best in 5A. Zach Hayden has 99 tackles while Chase Abrantes has 83. Both of their defensive instincts helped tame opponent’s offenses and secure wins.
“Our offensive line, tight ends and fullbacks need to create push on their defensive line to disrupt the linebacker’s fits,” said Hammett. Aside from their elite linebackers, Montgomery’s secondary are ballhawks. Executing accurate throws and Marshall’s receivers running pristine routes is critical to not during the ball over and giving the Bears’ offense a chance to get points on the board.
“We have to focus on timing and execute down the field on Montgomery,” said Hammett. With a solid game plan in place against a gritty Montgomery team, Marshall is prepared to give the Bears all they have and more in front of their home fans..
