DENVER CITY The Greenwood Rangers competed in their second scrimmage of the season last week in Denver City. There were some big strides made but the team still has a way to go before they reach potential. “The offense seems to still be hit or miss,” said Greenwood coach Rusty Purser. “We had three series where we went three and out, and stalled due to penalties or poor execution. Then we had two drives that ended in scores where we looked really good in both the running and passing game. We will continue to mature, but Cade Rowaldt showed some really nice flashes and made some solid catches.” The heart beat of the team right now is the defense. “Defensively we are still very much ahead of our offense. The group overall is making plays and putting a ton of pressure on the opposing offenses,” said Purser. “They have created turnovers and positive field position for us in both scrimmages. Overall the linebacker core is probably the most solid group, but the defensive line had a huge scrimmage in Denver City.”
Greenwood will open the season as the home team against Lubbock Estacado at Astound Stadium in Midland at 2:30 p.m.
This will be the third time these two teams have faced off in the season opener.
Estacado won last year 16-7 while Greenwood won two years ago 28-12.
“It’s been a great rivalry game for us the past two years. They are a talented team, but relatively young,” said Purser. “They are similar to us offensively, utilizing spread formations and moving the ball around. They do have a solid running game with one of the best running backs in the region. Defensively they are basing out of a 3-4, utilizing their outside backers to bring pressure. Overall, they look like a solid football team.”
Purser added, “Estacado held their own last week with Jim Ned, and showed marked improvement from their Week #1 scrimmage. I expect an exciting prime time Saturday afternoon football game.”