Having received votes in the Division 4 Associated Press poll this week, Three Rivers (1-1) is 24 hours away from hosting Wolverine Conference opponent Allegan (0-2). The Tigers travel south after losing the previous week to Coloma 21-20 when the defense allowed a short rushing touchdown with less than two minutes to play.
Three Rivers is coming off its own tough loss — a 14-7 defeat at Plainwell, an honorable mention in Division 3.
“The Plainwell game was a learning experience,” Three Rivers coach J.J. Wagner said. “Hopefully our kids learned that to win games like that you just can’t beat yourself. Yes, we had a couple of turnovers, but there were some critical penalties and missed assignments that were just as damaging. We need learn from those mistakes … and make the proper corrections.”
Scouting Allegan
Quarterback Kyle Simaz completed 6 of 14 passing attempts for 98 yards and a touchdown, and Emmet Staton rushed for 84 yards (5.2 per carry), followed by Caleb Ghist’s 52 yards. Simaz also plays defensive back and led the squad in tackles last week with nine.
Tigers coach Tony Danzig has changed things up offensively according to Wagner.
“They are running a system similar to Dowagiac and Berrien Springs, a wing-T hybrid that involves double slot formations with motion,” Wagner said. “It’s a ball control offense that focuses on running the football. Defensively they feature a 3-5-3 stack, which incorporates a lot of different blitz packages. Allegan is always physical and well coached. We expect nothing less from them this Friday.”
Keys to a Three Rivers Victory
“Our keys to victory are as always to be the more physical team and to execute in all phases of the game. If we can do that, we like our chances,” Wagner said.