September 8, 2017 at 2:02 p.m.
Key adjustments give Pointers big run vs Dogs
They took to the airways when the Bulldogs used one of their defenses and stayed on the ground when they went to another. After picking apart both defenses the Pointers rolled over the Bulldogs 56-16 in the SWAL opener for both teams.
"Boscobel started out in a 43 cover 0 and we were able to hit some big passes right away to gain a nice lead," said coach Andy Palzkill. "Then, they went to a 42 cover 1 and we were able to run it very well. We were basically checking to a run or pass based on how many people they had in the box. It is nice to see our athletes understanding football and being able to call the correct play to give us an advantage."
When it came to running, Riley Workman picked up 120 yards on 14 attempts and crossed the goal line twice over the turf. Quarterback Isaac Lindsey gained 61 on four attempts and scored once.
"Basically we just took what they gave us," Palzkill added. "Riley Workman really ran hard and our offensive line controlled the line scrimmage. Eric Heisner was very dominant blocking as was Grant Sporle. We are getting great movement at the point of attack which has allowed Riley to finish his runs downhill. Riley also was a tough matchup for them in the passing game. He had multiple big plays in the running and passing game."
When it was time to take to the friendly skies, Lindsey was near perfect, completing six of seven. His back up, Curtis Cox nailed his only attempt for the night.
Their prowess resulted in seven aerial touchdowns, three by Blaise Watters and one each by Workman, Caden Jackson, Mason Dailey and Kevin Eisenzimmer.
"Our passing is fun to watch right now due to great quarterback play and the ability for us to throw the ball to seven or eight different athletes," Palzkill said. "We have had eight or more different athletes catch the ball in each game this year. That diversity should make us hard to defend as we progress through the season. Blaise Watters and Caden Jackson have both really stepped up and have been making big plays for us in the passing game all season."
Palzkill also gave a shout out to the defense.
"Defensively, we played very well," he said. "Our front line was very difficult to block and did a great job of separating and getting to the ball. I thought Joey Dolphin played particularly well on the defensive end and was in their backfield all night. Coach (Justin) Leonard has done a good job of settling into a defensive front and coverages that fit our personnel."
The Pointers have been working through a practice schedule set upon availability before school but now that classes have started they are getting more in sync.
"In my opinion, the start of school is when we settle into a routine," Palzkill said. All of the outside events have already happened and now we have a chance to really come together as a football team."
Palzkill was also pleased with how the athletes stay tuned into the task at hand with the distractions of the fair and the last weekend before school starting.
"We were very focused," he said. "I give our athletes credit because many of them are very involved in the fair with a variety of exhibits. I feel that our coaching staff understands how important that is to our young men. We do a good job of communicating and it is easy to see that football is very important to our athletes as well."
The Pointers have Darlington at home this week.
"It is always a big game for us and this time around will be not exception," Palzkill said even though the Redbirds are winless in three starts. "We have spent the past few days working through our film and improving many areas. We are also learning about Darlington from their film. It will be a game where our focus will be on Mineral Point. If we can limit our mistakes and not give them easy opportunities, we will have a good opportunity to win the game."
