WORTHINGTON -- Never shy to tell it like it is, Worthington head football coach Dennis Hale was realistic is his evaluation of his team's performance against the Pipestone Area Arrows to open the 2006 campaign -- a 39-8 loss.
"I saw a number of kids make some good plays out there," he said. "What we didn't do is make enough of them.
"In watching the film, sometimes you might think you're not going to see anything positive. But actually, what I saw wasn't discouraging" Hale said.
The Trojans will get a chance to turn things around tonight as they host the Redwood Valley Cardinals -- a team that was equally disappointing in its opener, falling 28-0 to Fairmont.
While the season is still quite young, both teams need a victory to establish some confidence.
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"It certainly isn't do or die, its Game 2," Hale said. "But both teams are looking for some success. If you don't see some success early, it can be a very long season."
According to Hale, the Trojans are ready to bounce back, having several good practices during the week -- displaying a good attitude and work ethic. But that can only last so long if some "Ws" don't start appearing in the standings.
"We've had a very successful week of practices," Hale said. "Now we have to have that effort translate into a good game. This is a big game for us in that we have to turn all our hard work into a victory."
One key to turning things around is establishing a running game. The Trojans had a miserable ground attack against the Arrows, garnering a scant 27 yards on 27 rushing attempts. That won't get the job done against any team in the Southern Minnesota Alliance.
"Considering the weather we have in Minnesota, you have to be able to run the ball to be successful," Hale said. "We have the personnel to do it, now we have to compete."
In addition to running the ball, keeping possession of the pigskin is also essential. The Trojans turned the ball over twice toward the end of the first half against the Arrows. At the time, PA had a 7-0 advantage, but the miscues were turned into 14 more points for the Arrows -- carrying a 21-0 lead into the intermission.
"We can't afford to give the other team those kinds of opportunities," Hale said. "The turnovers really cost at the end of the first half."
Defensively, the Trojans are preparing for a team that likes to run and pass equally. The Cardinals like to spread the field and keep the opposition guessing. For the Trojan garrison to be effective, they will have to quickly recognize the Redwood Valley schemes and be quick to the ball.
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The good news for the Trojans is that they'll be playing on familiar ground -- Trojan Field. Worthington fans should be in full force as the game is the Trojans' first at home this season and is also 'Meet the Trojans' night.
"It will be good to be at home," Hale said. "We usually play well here. It should be an exciting game and hopefully we'll be able to come away from it with some confidence."
