STORY BY: CHACE MURPHY
– BRYAN – The chances of a postseason trip are slim but still alive for the Bryan Vikings as they host the Belton Tigers at Merrill Green Stadium Friday.
The Vikings (4-4, 2-3) need a win over the Tigers (6-2, 3-2) plus a win next week against Temple for any shot at playoffs.
Right now, the Vikings are just looking to snap a three-game skid. Bryan lost 17-14 last week to Harker Heights.
Also of concern: the team’s health. Bryan will again be without quarterback Chris Johnson, running back Kevin Jefferson, and tight end Mike Miner.
On the plus side, the Vikings will get back offensive lineman Tim Hines and linebacker Curtis Orozco.
Bryan will also experiment with moving some defensive personnel to offense. Josh Gibbs and Zach Spicker were moved to fullback to provide extra blocking for running backs Derrick Smith and Marvin Dowdy.
“It gives us an opportunity to get somebody over there that’s kind of a lead blocker,” Vikings head coach Bob Bellard said.
The presence of an additional blocker could allow the Vikings to keep the ball a little longer and keep a high-octane Belton offense off the field. The Tigers are one of four teams in district 12-AAAAA averaging more than 400 yards of offense per game.
Belton also comes in strong defensively. The Tigers are second in the district, allowing just less than 283 yards per contest.
“We’ve got our work cut out for us from an offensive perspective,” Bellard said.
Bryan and Belton kick off at 7:30 p.m., Friday. The pregame show starts at 7:01 on KZNE, Sports Radio 1150, The Zone.
