Sentinel-Echo.com

High School Sports

September 25, 2009

Mercer, South two similar teams

Cardinals travel to face Titans tonight

By Denis House

Three short seasons ago, in 2006, the Mercer County Titans finished the season 15-0, winning the Class 2A state title in its first year of consolidation, having merged Mercer Co. and Harrodsburg High School.

Fast forward to 2009. The Titans are now a struggling Class 5A school, winless in five games this season, having been outscored 225-68. Three of those losses came to Top 10 teams: No. 8 3A Breathitt Co., No. 6 5A Anderson Co., and No. 1 4A Boyle Co. Still, South Laurel coach Larry Welch isn’t overlooking this week’s opponent.

“Mercer’s losses have come to some strong opponents,” Welch said. “They have fast skill people, and are adapting to a new coaching staff and offense.”

Sounds kind of like South Laurel, doesn’t it?

Both teams feature a strong running game, with Dexter Banks (235 yards, two TDs) and Russell Mays (130 yards, one TD) leading the Titan ground game.

“We are definitely a running team,” coach Bill Mason said. “And South is a Pro I team, and we need to be able to stop their run.”

Tre Dunn is the Mercer Co. quarterback, and he has thrown for 295 yards and five touchdowns this season, along with one interception. He has also rushed for 160 yards and two TDs through their first four games.

When Dunn does throw, his top target is wide receiver Jamel Taylor, who has caught seven passes for 120 yards and two TDs.

“The key for us is to execute our offense and continue to improve our tackling on defense,” Mason said. “We also have to move the chains on offense to have success against South.”

The Titans have made the playoffs the last three seasons, and a win by either team would go a long way in making this year’s post season.

The Cards are coming off a tough, 21-0, loss to Corbin last week in game that once again saw South Laurel commit too many mistakes. Welch knows that his team needs to limit their mistakes to be successful.

“We must correct some things and learn from our mistakes to beat anyone,” Welch said. He also knows that a win tonight is key for his team’s confidence.

“There comes a point in time where the kids need it (a win) for confidence, plus one win the district takes you a long way.”

Welch said his team has been working extra hard in practice on the little things that hopefully will help them correct the problem.

“We need to focus on playing hard,” Welch said. “Ball security, snap count, lining up on defense, and most of all, believing in the team. Plus, our seniors should and can lead by example the rest of the season.”

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. tonight at Mercer Co. High School.

Denis House can be reached at sports@sentinel-echo.com





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