Prep Football Preview: Bulldogs look to continue trend

Each week the message is the same for Harrisburg head coach Al Way.

"We worry more about ourselves each week than we do about the actual opponent," Way said. "Right now, we're just working on ways to not beat ourselves."

It's been a bend, but don't break kind of start to the season for the Bulldogs, who are 2-1 after back-to-back wins over Du Quoin and Boonville, Ind., as they prepare to play host to a West Frankfort team that is 0-3 on the season.

The Redbirds went 2-7 last season and finished 2-3 in Southern Illinois River-to-River Ohio Division play and already have losses to Sparta (13-6), Pinckneyville (10-0) and Anna-Jonesboro (35-14) to start the season.

Aside from a seven-game winning streak that Harrisburg is enjoying against West Frankfort, Way is quick to point out the past couple of contents for the Redbirds, where the defense has risen to the occasion.

"They're big and physical and have really played good defense the last couple of weeks, holding a couple of undefeated teams to 10 points and 13 points. That's a concern and we'll need to be able to move the ball against them."

Among other concerns for Way Friday night at Taylor Field is his Bulldogs' own defense, which he says must play better than it has as of late.

"We have to be more consistent on defense and not let a team march right down the field on us, especially a team like West Frankfort that doesn't give up many points to begin with. Now, Boonville had a good back, there is no doubt about that, but we missed some tackles that we should have made."

While the Redbirds are winless to start the season, Harrisburg has rattled off two straight including last week's 34-20 win over Boonville and the Dogs' 21-14 victory over Du Quoin Week 2.

The pair of wins have been a confidence booster for the ball club after falling 44-31 at Mt. Carmel to open the season.

"Just the fact that we have beaten a couple of pretty good teams has helped us," Way said in regards to the teams' confidence. "We had a good practice yesterday, we're focused. paying attention and more than anything, that's a lot of it.

"There is still improvement to make," Way added. "We missed a ton of blocking assessments on offense and those kind of mistakes can get you beat."

At the point of emphasis for Way and the Bulldogs will be controlling West Frankfort senior Hunter Pulley, who at 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, is a load to bring down at the quarterback position.

"Pulley has a good arm," Way said after he went 6-for-6 for 53 yards in a Week 2 loss to Pinckneyville. "We have got to get pressure on him and cannot let him sit back there. They have some kids that can catch the ball."

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