Warriors open season tonight with chance to avenge playoff loss to Keota
The 2022 Class B playoff run for the Webbers Falls Warriors was a short one, losing 42-14 in the opening round to the Keota Lions.
The 2022 Class B playoff run for the Webbers Falls Warriors was a short one, losing 42-14 in the opening round to the Keota Lions.
Fast forward to Aug. 25, 2023. Not only will the Warriors begin their 2023 season tonight, but they will have a chance to avenge last year’s playoff loss to the Lions as they entertain Keota at 7 tonight at Smokey Cox Stadium.
“We would like to do that,” said Webbers Falls coach Trent Holt about avenging the 2022 Class B opening-round playoff loss. “Of course, we would like to get out on the right foot with a win. Our seniors played these kids from Keota, and they had some epic battles in fifth and sixth grades. They still remember their big ol’ running back. He was a man then, and he’s still a man. He would just run our kids over in fifth and sixth grades. They’ve grown, and they’re ready to take him on. We haven’t played them in high school in the past couple of years, except for last year. We would definitely like to avenge that playoff loss, and win to start the regular season.”
Holt said step No. 1 to achieve that is to stop Keota’s running back David Davis, but also not get beaten by long pass plays.
“We have to stop their running game,” he said. “That Davis kid is a good running back. We’re going to have to stop their running back. He’s the key to their offense. Their offensive line is pretty big and physical. They don’t throw the ball a whole lot, but when they do they’re really effective at it. They pick their spots well. They complete passes when they need to. The quarterback throws it pretty good, and he can run. We have to be able to not give up that easy pass like we did in the (2022 Class B) playoffs. I watched (film) of our last playoff game, they threw three passes in the first half, and hit them all for big plays in key situations. So, we’ve got to get ready to stop that.”
The Warriors are ready to get the 2023 season started for real.
“We would rather be playing than practicing, I can tell you that,” Holt said. “The games are a lot more fun than practice.”
