Prep Football Preview: Getting Back To What Works

For the first time - in a long time - Brandon Hampton felt his Eagle ballclub was out-physicaled in last week's loss at Carmi.

That's saying something for the Eldorado head coach, who from the first day, has preached a hard work ethic and a relentless pursuit to be one of the more stronger, physical teams in the Black Diamond Conference.

"Carmi was just more physical at the line of scrimmage and outhit us," Hampton said.

He'll look to reverse that trend this week when Eldorado takes on a Christoper-Zeigler-Royalton ballclub, who despite being 0-2, features three of the best backs in the conference.

"Their three backs could play for anyone in the conference," Hampton said. "Hunter Wheeler is probably the fastest - if not the fastest kids - in our conference. I would equate him to the (Logan) Weller kid at Carmi to where he's running the ball, catching the ball, returning the ball. He does everything for them. Dustin Barnett ran for 125 against a very tough, physical Nashville team last week. They have three seniors backs that can move the chains."

There's no doubt that Wheeler is a "home run type" runner for C-Z-R and is a definite game changer. and the Bearcats have more skill at the back position than last week's opponent in Carmi, but Hampton hopes to contain an offense that scares opponents with the three-headed monster running game.

"Our theme this week is are you the hammer or are you the nail? We were discouraged last week that we were out-physicaled, when normally that's our mindset. That's how we win games and we addressed that bright and early with our kids Saturday morning. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday were all very physical practices. We'll try to get after those backs before they get going and hopefully have some success."

The big shot in the arm for the Eagles this week is the return of Braxton Roberts, who left in an ambulance Week 1 against Sesser-Valier-Waltonville-Woodlaw with concussion like symptoms.

Michael Dann covers prep and college sports for the Harrisburg Daily Register. Follow him on Twitter: @spydieshooter.