After a 5-0 start, Batavia has lost its last two games.
However the Bulldogs are still looking for a berth in the playoffs.
Wilmington’s playoff prospects are probably gone, though the Hurricane is not mathematically eliminated.
The two teams will square off 7 p.m. Friday at Alumni Field.
“We have to continue to get better and push through the mental part of the game,” WHS coach Scott Killen said of his squad.
The Hurricane has lost its last two games – 56-30 to New Richmond and 48-28 to Goshen. Both teams simply overpowered Wilmington with a strong running game.
“We are very inconsistent in stopping the run game,” Killen said. “For us to be successful, we have to find a D-line that will do their job every play, not half the time but all the time.”
Jason Griffin is the top ball carrier for the Bulldogs, rushing for 699 yards and eight touchdowns.
“Batavia is going to run the ball out of their Wing-T set,” Killen said.
Wilmington’s offense is led by Brady Evans who has thrown for 1,806 yards and 20 touchdowns. His primary target has been Cameron Coomer, who has 41 receptions for 780 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Last week, however, Mason McIntosh caught 17 passes for 216 yards and a touchdown. All three totals nearly matched McIntosh’s season totals to that point.
Killen said a couple athletes come to mind when talking about unsung players for the Hurricane.
“Austin Brummett will play any position we ask him to and will give everything he has for the team,” Killen said. “Also, Brady Henry, one of the most accurate kickers I have ever coached.”
