Yoemen aim to rebound with Academy in home finale

After coming off one of the most unpredictable losses of the year last week to Rockdale, the Yoemen will return home on Friday in hopes of rebounding against the Academy Bumblebees.  It will also be the home finale for Cameron and the last game on Yoe Field for the class of 2017.  

Throughout the non-district schedule, it appeared that Academy was going to have a legitimate shot at making the playoffs out of one of the toughest districts in the state.  However, since their district opening win over Jarrell (29-22), the Bees have struggled with Rockdale (56-13) and Troy (31-20) to fall to 1-2 in 10-3A play.

In non-district action Academy was 3-1 with wins over Rogers (34-0), Whitney (29-20) and Goldthwaite (21-14) and one weather shortened loss to Comanche (19-14). 

“Academy has been in some closer games,” said Yoe head coach Tommy Brashear.  “Their district record is not very good, but their kids play extremely hard and are very physical.  I wouldn't necessarily say they have any superstar type kids on their team, but they have a lot of good kids that play disciplined and play as a team.  They are no slouch by any means.  You better not take them lightly, because they can sneak up on you and get one.”

Since these two teams have been in the same district (2010), Cameron had dominated.  The Yoemen have won all six contests, averaging 42.3 points per game while only giving up 10.3.  Last year’s final was 49-14.

Offense

Offensively, Academy still operates out of the I-formation. The Bees will try to sneak in a play action pass here and there, but for the most part they are going to run the ball and accumulate most of their yardage on the ground. 

“Their offense is still out of the I,” said Brashear.  “They are going to hit you with iso, sweep, trap and belly g.  Those are their four bread and butter plays in addition to play action pass.  They are very good at it.  They don't do a whole lot, but what they do they do well.”

The Bees are having to deal with the loss of four-year starter Cody Martinez, who wrapped up his career in Academy as the offensive MVP for the district.

Grayson Edwards will be the go to man in the backfield, finishing as a first team all-district running back last season.  Edwards carried the ball 28 times for 169 yards in last week’s loss to Troy. 

Defense

Defensively, Academy is going to operate out of the 3-3 stack. 

“Their defensive front is very solid and stout,” said Brashear.  “In the secondary they are usually going to play a cover four and a little bit of cover man.  They do a good job of preventing the big play and they rally to the ball.  They are good tacklers, and I would just say the overall team effort is very good.”

So far this season the Academy defense has given up a total of 22.8 points per game, which is the same amount they are scoring per contest. 

DL Chad Pajestka is the lone first team defender that has returned for 2016.   

Getting better before the playoffs

Last week’s loss should prove to be an eye opener for the Yoemen.  At this point in the season with only two games remaining on the schedule, it will be important to fix mistakes from the past. 

“It's about getting better but it's also about fixing the problems,” said Brashear.  “We need to fix the things that we have made mistakes on and work hard on fixing those things.

Additionally, the Yoemen know they have to get a little better each week as the playoffs are just around the corner. 

“That is our message.”  “Work on getting better at the little things to make us better overall as a team.  As far as the games go, you have to take them one week at a time.  You have to do what you need to do to win those games, whether it is getting a stop at the end or running the clock out.   I think that the Rockdale game was a little wake up call that we are not where we want to be and we have to get better.”

10-3A Games

In other district action, Rockdale (3-0) will travel to McGregor (1-2) while Franklin (2-1) will host winless Jarrell (0-4). 

Kickoff for senior night in Cameron is set for 7:30 p.m.