BENTONVILLE — The scout team offense at Bentonville has endured quite the mental and physical workout this week.

Bentonville coach Barry Lunney wanted to adequately prepare his starting defense for the Tigers’ 7A-West Conference showdown Friday night against undefeated Springdale Har-Ber.

And the Wildcats’ offense often utilizes deception, sending players in motion before the snap and running plays that can easily confuse opposing defenses. So that has involved plenty of detailoriented work by those imitating Har-Ber’s intricate offense.

“They have all that misdirection and everything built into their offense, so it’s been tough on our defensive players and coaches this week trying to get ready for it,” Lunney said.

“Har-Ber’s really efficient in what they do offensively, and they looked like the No. 1 team in the state right now against Fayetteville.”

After scoring at least 29 points in each of its first five games, Har-Ber averaged only 21.3 in its next three victories. The Wildcats exploded, however, for 39 points last week in their 25-point victory over Fayetteville, producing their most balanced offensive effort of the season.

Running backs Kaleb Vaughn and Houston Pruitt combined for 246 yards rushing on 37 carries - with starter Gordon Welch out injured. Ryan Luther threw for 227 yards and fi ve touchdowns as well. Lunney said the performance was impressive considering how many different looks Har-Ber sported.

“They have a lot of formations,” Lunney said. “They’re very multiple with the motions and the shifting. We have to be very grounded and not get out of position. It’s very challenging. It’s almost a Wing-T o◊ense in the shotgun with a lot of misdirection, a lot of pulling linemen.”

Lunney said the Tigers’ defense couldn’t get “caught up watching the game,” especially with the athletic Pruitt lining up in several different spots all over the fi eld.

“You have to read your keys,” he said. “Whatever position you’re keying, you can’t lose sight of that. You can’t get caught up in all the misdirection and motions, or you’ll lose your key and you’ll be a half-step slow. We have to be very disciplined this week against their offense.”

Har-Ber coach Chris Wood said the steady development of the Wildcats’ passing game led to their dominant offensive effort against Fayetteville.

He also explained why Friday night would test the Bentonville defense, which has allowed the least amount of points this season among 7A-West teams.

“We do try to move people around and get numbers on our side,” Wood said. “That will be tough to do against Bentonville because they’re so disciplined, they’re so well-coached and their schemes are really good. It’s a unique challenge for us.

“It’s so important for us to continue to move the ball so we can keep their offensive off the field.”

Sports, Pages 7 on 11/05/2009

Comments

To report abuse or misuse of this area please hit the "Suggest Removal" link in the comment to alert our online managers.

Use the comment form below to begin a discussion about this content.