Friday night lights shine bright on first home game for Melcher-Dallas Saints

3rd hour Journalism - 10:25 am, Aug. 28, 2024


The Melcher-Dallas high school football team will battle it out against Mormon Trail Friday, August 30th for the first home football game.

“We’ve been having high intensity practices to prepare for Mormon Trail,” captain Reece Chiabotta said. The Saints have been copying Mormon Trail’s schemes at practice in preparation for this Friday night. Senior captain Ryan Heaton explained that Mormon Trail runs a lot of twin formation.

Senior captain Brody Johnson said the game against Murray went well early but mistakes were made as the game went on. Sophomore center Gavin Schrader said there were challenges with blocking last Friday against Murray. Blocking and snapping are key adjustments for the Saints this Friday. Schrader said that this week’s practices “pushed the linemen” for better results.

Hunter DeGard said “the defense is being installed more this week.” Blitzing was a problem for the Saints against Murray. Off the field, the team handled the loss well, but on the field some showed emotions.

Conditioning was an important part of the game plan. Coaches emphasized not being tired in the fourth quarter and finishing the game strong. “Coach wants us to hit harder and block harder,” junior CJ Smith said.

Ryan Heaton had the most tackles in the state to start the season last week with 15. Heaton feels “like HIM” and wants to double his tackles again this week and keep it going.

The game starts at 7:00 at the Melcher-Dallas Sports Complex.