Photo by Shelly Evilsizor Photography
Constantine (1-1) football coach Shawn Griffith won’t allow a deflating loss to Kalamazoo Valley Association rival Schoolcraft on the road, 37-28, in Week 2 to derail a program that is looking to get back to a third consecutive Division 6 state title game.
There’s no reason to panic considering Schoolcraft debuted this week at No. 7 in the Associated Press Division 7 poll. But the 10th-ranked Falcons are looking to fix a few things heading into Friday’s game against visiting Maple Valley (1-1).
“We have been through losses before,” Griffith said. “It’s part of the game; it’s how you react to the loss that counts.”
Practice Report
“We are spending our time sweating in the sun and trying to find 11 guys that want to hit someone,” Griffith said. “Basic football has been the theme at our practices — blocking and tackling. We are trying to come out a lot more physical and eliminate turnovers. We have come out and practiced hard.”
The Falcons had two fumbles and two turnovers on downs against the Eagles last Friday.
Injury Report
“Other than being a bit beat up from this week’s practice, we are pretty healthy,” said Griffith, whose team experienced a lot of leg cramps against Schoolcraft. “We have lost a couple of backup lineman, Josiah Schrock and Kyle Hartwick (knee) leaving us pretty thin up front.”
Scouting Maple Valley
Maple Valley dropped a 37-6 contest to Olivet to start the season and got back on track last week with a 30-7 victory over Delton Kellogg. The Lions finished 3-6 in 2012. Quarterback Beau Johnson completed a 67-yard touchdown pass and rushed for a 30-yard TD against Delton. Dylan Kennedy is a capable tailback and produced 5.9 yards per carry on 15 attempts last week.
A pretty balanced team offensively, Maple Valley has had trouble defending the run, something the Falcons do very