"It was great for the kids and the program to finally get a win over them, but we made mistakes and we've been working hard to correct those things," Armstrong said.
The Knights will be back in action Friday night playing host to Pickens County at Billy Ellis Stadium in Region 7-AAA. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
A long layoff after an emotional win over an arch-rival usually is a recipe for disaster as most teams get out of routines and rhythms. Armstrong, however, says they have been emphasizing that anything is possible.
"This is a tough, tough region and anyone can beat anyone if you're not prepared. There were a lot of upsets the first couple of weeks around the area and state and we don't want to be on the other end of one. I think the kids realize that and have put the West Hall game behind them," Armstrong said.
Pickens, which lost to West Hall last week, 13-0, is big on both lines and employs a tough 50 defense. The Dragons are primarily a running team using the I-formation and running some option.
"I saw that game last week and it could have gone either way," Armstrong said. "It was much closer than the score indicates. A couple of breaks and they could have won."
Jeremy Casper and B.J. Jackson lead the Knights ground attack. Jackson finished with 90 yards against the Spartans. Cardy McKensey will also get his share of carries and Marqise Wright gives Casper a big target to throw too.
The Knights beat Pickens last year 34-12, which proved to be the key win for Johnson advancing into the playoffs last year. Both teams finished with 6-4 records but the Knights won the tiebreaker because of its head-to-head win.
"That's what we've been telling the kids. Every game is important. You can't look past anyone because that could be the key game when you look back," Armstrong said.
http://accesswdun.com/article/2003/9/173072