In Sumner Academy’s 10-point Week 1 loss to Washington, Sabres first-year head coach Stevie Williams learned a great deal about his team.
Despite the 36-26 setback, Williams was proud of the fight Sumner showed against Washington. At one point in the first half, the Sabres led 20-8 but surrendered to a 28-point run by the Wildcats.
“I learned my team can start fast,” Williams said. “I also learned that we had some resilience about us when we went down or had negative plays.”
Starting or playing fast isn't a new concept to Sumner’s Week 2 opponent, Topeka Highland Park. The Scot’s high-octane offense put up 52 points in a shutout win over Wyandotte to open the season. Highland Park picks ‘em up and puts ‘em down faster than most teams in the Meadowlark League. This go-go-go style of offense created headaches for Sumner last season in a 26-13 loss.
This year, Sumner, 0-1, will look to contain the Scot’s vaunted rushing attack in Friday’s DM Injury Law Metro Matchup of the Week.
“It's hard to defend everything with an explosive offense like this so you pick one thing and try and take it away,” Williams said. “Also, we must stop the run — these guys had a great ground attack last week against Wyandotte.”
Offensively, quarterback Michael Knight led the Sabres with 217 total yards and two touchdowns against Washington. He passed for 115 yards and two scores and rushed for 102 yards.
On the defensive side of the ball, senior Kyran Washington had a quarterback pressure, one tackle for loss and four total tackles for the Sabres.
“But most importantly his energy from sideline to sideline was contagious,” Williams said.
Williams wants the Sabres to move on from their season-opening loss. His message this week has been simple: “Be better than we were in Week 1,” Williams said. “If we eliminate the penalties and mishaps, I feel we will have a good shot.”
