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Brahmas in familiar spot entering Weimar game

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While not the start they were hoping for, the East Bernard Brahmas are in familiar territory as they enter week two of their District 26-2A schedule with a 0-1 record after falling to the Rice Consolidated Raiders 38-6 last week.

Now 2-3 on the season, the Brahmas will be looking to even both their season and district records this week as they travel to Weimar Friday night to take on the Wildcats. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

"Against Rice, we probably faced the best defensive team in the district and one of the best in the state," Brahma Coach Jerry Long said. "And defensively, we learned we have to get back to the basics. We need to have people in the right position and who know their responsibilites. We aren't as fast as most of the teams we play so we need to be in position, take the right angles and then be aggressive when we arrive. We don't have to go back to the drawing board, but we have to get back to doing things right."

Because of the fundamental breakdowns, the Brahma defense has given up an unusually high number of big plays to opponents.

"It goes back to those fundamentals," the coach said. "We faced a great receiver last week and we're looking at playing some great athletes again this week."

Weimar is led by QB Brix Hawthorne and a bevy of quality receivers including Lynx Hawthorne, Brandon Williams and Mason Hubenak. Adding balance to the offense, Hawthorne is an accomplished runner off the scramble while B.J. Jones handles the bulk of the rushing from his tailback position.

"We're going to have to be more disciplined this week," the coach said.

"We need to play hard and we need our offense to control the ball so we can control the clock. There were some positives with our offense last week so I know we're capable."

And as for the slow start, Long said his team's been there before and responded.

"We've talked to our kids about the start we've had," he said.

"We have six district games so you figure you have to win four to make the playoffs. Now it's a case of needing to win four with one less game to do it in."

"But I still feel this team is capable of winning, of playing with confidence and playing at the level we need to win for 48 minutes. Last year we started district 0-2 and fought back and made the playoffs."



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© 2009 East Bernard Express East Bernard, Texas. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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