Prep Football: History On Its Side?

If it's true what they say, that history is bound to repeat itself, Harrisburg head coach Jason Roper hopes it happens Friday night.

In the 2008 season, Harrisburg started the season 0-3 before making a mid-season push to make the playoffs.

The Bulldogs are in a similar situation right now and hope to springboard into the win column Friday in the first River-to-River Ohio Division contest against West Frankfort.

The Bulldogs have history on their side, winning six straight over the Bulldogs, while head coach Jason Roper brings a 7-1 record into Franklin County.

"We've played three non-conference games against three pretty decent programs and we are in a situation now where we are on the road for the third straight week, going against a West Frankfort ballclub that hasn't won a game either," Roper said.

West Frankfort is winless to start the season, losing to Sparta, Pinckneyville and Anna-Jonesboro to start the season.

"West Frankfort is big, athletic and a lot better than they have been," Roper added. "It's another situation where we can't turn the ball over and put ourselves in a situation to score offensively. We've struggled in that area, but we have played some pretty good defenses."

Harrisburg's only points (12) on the year came in week one against Mt. Carmel. After that, the Bulldogs were shut out at Du Quoin (6-0) and Marion (42-0).

The problem in regards to the offense for Roper stems from turnovers or penalties that have killed drives and the inability to convert in long down situations.

"I think it's going to help that we've changed some positions up front. We've moved some skill position kids around a little bit to help us on the offensive line and we've moved some of those offensive lineman to the defensive line.

"In the next six weeks, we feel like we're going to get an old-school, run-right-at-you kind of offense, where we have to be strong, physical upfront to stop the run."

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