Harmon and Atchison are on different levels this season. No affront to Harmon, but the Hawks haven't scored in two weeks.
Meanwhile, Atchison has solid wins over Ottawa and Sumner Academy.
Heading into Friday's DiPasquale Moore PrepsKC Metro Matchup, Harmon has been outscored 135-0. Last week, the Hawks were blanked 80-0 against Washington.
So, what was head coach Keith O'Neal's message to the team after a tough start to the season?
"We live by the philosophy that I have established here called the No-X Mentality," O'Neal said. "Within this philosophy one of our core controls are no excuses. We don't make excuses about anything. We learn from our mistakes, then we get back to the drawing board each week to try and earn a shot at being 1-0."
The Hawks, 0-2 in the Meadowlark League, will have their work cut out for them against the Phoenix, 2-0 overall and 1-0 in Meadowlark League play.
"We have to try and slow down their running game and force the team to become one dimensional, putting the workload on their quarterback's arm. We also have to take care of the football, controlling the clock the best way we can keeping their offense off the field. Lastly, we must improve our special teams."
Offensively, Steven Mills has been a workhorse at the running back position, O'Neal said. Freshman quarterback Dominic Bush - they call him Dom Brady - is growing slowly into his own at the position. Left guard Julian Bush is the team's best offensive lineman. And senior offensive lineman Adahid Jimenez is showing leadership qualities on and off the field, O'Neal said.
Defensively, Lukious Pittman and Malcom O'Conner are enforcers at linebacker. Safeties Carlos Campa and Jamarcus Lane have been solid on the back end.
Atchison head coach Jim Smith preached a simple message this week.
"Never underestimate your opponent and play hard," he said.
Despite facing a winless opponent, the Phoenix must execute offensively at a high level, Smith said.
"Take care of the ball and execute," he said. Defensively, the Phoenix must "play fast and physical," Smith added.
Standouts through two weeks for Atchison include defensive lineman La'Vonte McGowan, who "has been tremendous," Smith said. "And Trey Carter is really becoming a good leader on offense."
