North Panola preps for WV

By Ike House
The Cougars look to bounce back against a team that they have not beat in 26 years. Water Valley comes to North Panola but the Cougars have plans on ending the streak. Not only is this a big district game for the Cougars but it is also homecoming.
“Homecoming is a special event at any school but nobody does it like we do at North Panola. It is mind boggling, the preparation that goes into this event,” Head coach Carl Diffee said, “we have stressed the importance of business as usual to the players. They understand that they have to be flexible on a short school week. The kids have done a great job of preparing for Water Valley.”
Field position has been a major key for the Cougars this year and they have won that battle. After having a week with a lot of penalties and bad starting position the Cougars have looked to get back on track.
“We have cleaned up some blocking assignments on punt and focused more energy on lane assignments for kickoff,” Diffee added “but at the end of the day we win field position battles each week by getting first downs on offense.”
The defense has been top notch this season for the Cougars. So far they have caused 11 turnovers and four defensive touchdowns. Outside of the game against Charleston they have not allowed over 24 points in a game. They have lifted the play of the offense.
“We have to keep playing good football on defense and swarm to the ball,” Diffee said
“Offensively, we’ve got to be consistent from drive to drive. Special teams wise we must win the field position battle,” he said.
Diffee said he has to make sure his players keep their confidence after giving more sacks than they have gave up all season. They also left points on the field that they look to put on the board this week against Water Valley.
“Catch balls we’ve caught all year and protect the QB better. We didn’t do either last week,” Diffee said.
The Cougars will see another run heavy team. They always have a big run attack and stick to their guns. The Blue Devils will look to pound the ball.
“Water Valley is good at what they do. Coach Embry and his staff are going to have a good scheme and we expect their best effort,” Diffee said.
“I feel good about our plan as well. We have played well but we still have room to improve defensively. Those growth opportunities are in short yardage and third downs,” he added
The Cougars kickoff tonight at 7 p.m.