Avid Vandala fans got their first look at this year’s team this past Friday night, Aug. 20, as the Vandals held their Red and White Scrimmage night, to give onlookers a view of the possibilities of this season. They travel to Pana, hopeful of a repeat of last season’s game where they trounced the Panthers, 24-13. “We know they will be fast and athletic on the perimeter. They return all but three kids from last spring,” Vandal Head Coach Jason Clay said. “Offensively they are like us in that they try to stay balanced run and pass. Their quarterback is a nice runner and capable passer with lots of weapons. Defensively we expect them to load the box and play man to man to try to take away our running game,” he offered. “We will have to take advantage of 1 on 1 matchups and try to find a way to run the ball so we can stay balanced. As always, in week one weather, conditioning and tackling will play huge roles. The team that tackles the best should have an advantage. Special teams and turnovers will also be key in the game. Points and field position will be determined by special teams and turnovers. Hold on to the ball, avoid big mistakes and tackling well will be the road map to success.”
