Avoiding a Letdown

On paper, this one looks like a total mismatch. Springstead High, sitting atop the Class 4A, District 8 standings, taking on last-place River Ridge at the Jim Valentine Sports Complex.

The Royal Knights (0-6 overall, 0-2 4A-8) host the Eagles (5-1 overall, 2-0 4A-8) for tonight's 7:30 p.m. match-up, and Springstead Head Coach Bill Vonada isn't overlooking this winless opponent.

"I think River Ridge has looked better every single week they've played," Vonada said. "I know they're on a losing steak, but as far as I'm concerned we both go into the game 0-0.

"If you look at River Ridge, they've played teams awfully darn tough. The team that takes them for granted is in for a rude surprise and I hope our kids realize that."

The Royal Knights have lost 38 of their last 39 games dating back to 2004, but have hardly been embarrassed this season.

The past two weeks they have lost 16-7 and 14-0 to Ridgewood and Hudson respectively. Earlier in the year they fell just 16-10 against Mitchell and 19-10 to Sunlake.

"I think they play tremendous defense," Vonada said. "They remind me of us in the past and they have the potential to have a very good running attack. We're going to have to pick it up a notch."

Yet today's contest still looks lopsided, considering the hot play of the Eagles. They have shutout three of their past four opponents.

"We're happy with the way our defense is performing," Vonada said. "There are still things to improve upon. I'd like to see us be a little more consistent. A lot of times we're 1 yard, 2 yards, 12 yards. We have managed to make some big plays to stop some teams.

"I really like what we're doing as far as forcing turnovers. The defense has been tremendous in that regard. We talk about defense first here. Defense wins championships."

It's not all good news for Springstead, however. Two key players could sit tonight because of leg injuries: defensive lineman Christian Quinones and offensive tackle Zach Bailey.

Vonada admitted losing such experienced veterans in the trenches is a concern, and filling those voids is one of the keys to the game.

"Who's going to step in and pick up the slack for injured guys?" Vonada said. "Turnovers could be paramount. We've got to win the turnover battle and we've got to improve our execution."