Wright City Travels to Orchard Farm Friday

By Derrick Forsythe, Record Sports Editor
Posted 1/11/13

Where: Orchard Farm High School. When: Friday, Nov. 1. Time: 7 p.m. Coaches: Wright City — Matt Brooks. Orchard Farm — Phil Kendall. Records: Wright City — 4-5. Orchard Farm — 4-5. Last …

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Wright City Travels to Orchard Farm Friday

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Where: Orchard Farm High School.When: Friday, Nov. 1.Time: 7 p.m.Coaches: Wright City — Matt Brooks. Orchard Farm — Phil Kendall.Records: Wright City — 4-5. Orchard Farm — 4-5.Last Meeting: Orchard Farm 32, Wright City 0.The Wildcats were roughed up in their previous meeting with the Eagles, allowing 315 yards on the ground. Armand Keely has been the primary threat for Orchard Farm all season, and he got started in Week Two with 145 yards on 19 carries. The Eagles threw the ball just eight times, completing five passes for 38 yards. They were able to win the battle on the line, successfully employing a very physical attack.Outlook: Wright City is a different looking team from Week Two — perhaps on both good and bad terms. Injuries have eliminated some pivotal pieces, including one of the most valuable lineman in Jensen Elrod. The Wildcats were without leading rusher and defensive catalyst Steven Soltysiak last Friday, but Brooks expects his return during districts.With Elrod’s injury, initial quarterback Kyle Lang has been forced to move to the line while sophomore Kyle Tuepker takes over at signal caller. He has enabled the Wildcats to become more dynamic, providing a touch of passing success while also presenting a threat in the option game.Wright City began a fairly productive stretch in Week Four, proceeding to win four of its five contests from that point. The running game became more diverse and effective, with the addition of Tim Burks and breakout performances by Derenzo Blanks. Wright City has also seen the gradual progression of receiver Tyler Brittain, who has shown big play potential.Orchard Farm continues to thrive off Keely’s productivity. He has rushed for 1,400 yards on 148 carries, averaging nearly 10 yards an attempt for a team-best 13 touchdowns. If the Eagles do decide to throw the ball, it’s probably going to Jiall Cage, who has hauled in a team-high 31 catches for 349 yards.Defensively, Keely has also been a factor while Sam Wallut is the key contributor. He has 83 tackles, including 12 for loss.Focal Point: Brooks has reiterated this is not the same team as in Week Two. With a more diverse offense, the Wildcats should be able to break onto the scoreboard. Orchard Farm is vulnerable, having recorded its only shutout against Wright City. Closing the four-touchdown gap from before will be challenging, but the Wildcats have the potential to pull off a postseason upset.SOPHOMORE SIGNAL CALLERBill Barrett Photo.


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