HOMECOMING WEEK
Published 12:04 am Wednesday, October 7, 2015
Escambia County is hoping to ride its first-win momentum this week as the Blue Devils host Williamson for homecoming on Friday night.
Last week, Tim Finklea led the way for ECHS with 179 yards on the ground and scored three touchdowns.
ECHS head football coach Royce Young said last week’s game told the players that they know they can win.
“We didn’t play a perfect game by any stretch,” he said. “We did play hard for four quarters.”
While the win was great, keeping the players focused on football can be a challenge, Young said.
“I told my coaches there couldn’t be a worse time coming into homecoming week with all distractions that come into it,” he said. “We’re going to try and keep them focused and their attention on the game.”
Williamson (2-4, 1-2 in Class 5A, Region 1) enters the contest after a 35-6 loss to St. Pauls.
The Lions have a good amount of athleticism and team speed, Young said.
“Overall, they’ll have more team speed than we will,” he said. “There aren’t a lot of schools we’ll say that about. They’re super quick with the offensive and defensive line. Their skill players are fast.”
Young said Williamson quarterback Geremy Hickbottom leads the pack on offense.
“Their quarterback is a freakish athlete,” he said. “He’s got a strong arm and great feet.”
Young said Hickbottom is lethal because he’ll drop back for a pass, but instead pulls and runs the ball.
“It’s him against your linemen,” Young said. “We’ll have to be very disciplined when we rush the passer.”
Kick off Friday is at 7 p.m.