Prep Football: Keeping The Momentum

Harrisburg broke a three-game losing streak last week in a 21-12 win at West Frankfort and now return to the friendly confines of Taylor Field, where much like last week, the Bulldogs hope to have history on their side.

As Harrisburg (1-3) looks to take on a winless Massac County club, who has the third head coach in as many years, will do so against a Patriot team that hasn't won at Taylor Field since 2008.

The Bulldogs enter Friday night's Southern Illinois River-To-River showdown with a four-game win streak against Massac County.

The Patriots do feature a sound running game revolved around senior tailback Dillion Stoner that knifed the Bulldog defense a year ago and was poised to lead MCHS to a win before Stoner was ejected and Harrisburg mounted a second half comeback.

"Massac County has a really good run game," Harrisburg head coach Jason Roper said. "They seem to be in the spread offense a lot. They look organized and have played four good teams (Freeburg, Anna-Jonesboro, Carterville and Murphysboro). They played those teams close and I think it's going to be a tough game for us."

Roper added with this week being Homecoming, it's always a concern where the players' focus and concentration will be with what all goes on during the week.

"We're still trying to be some new people in different positions after some of the injuries we had to deal with after Friday," Roper said. "Hopefully, we can get out there and execute and get a win."