By Charles Prince

The North Jefferson News



The Hayden Wildcats face an uphill battle this week when they travel to Morris to meet Mortimer Jordan for the Blue Devils homecoming game.

But things are looking up for the Wildcats according to head coach Shane Howard.

“We had our best game of the season on offense last week,” he said. “Yardage-wise (298 yards of total offense) and points-wise (21) it was our best game of the year. We carried out our blocks until the whistle blew and we held onto the ball for a change.”

He was quick to point out, however, that last week’s opponent Springville doesn’t have the size and strength of the Blue Devils.

“They’re much bigger than us,” he said. “We know they’re physically stronger and have more size.”

Howard said his club had a great practice on Monday and the team is excited about the chance to play in the backyard rivalry.

“We have to win the turnover battle to have any chance,” he said. “We have to find a way to win and winning the field position and turnover battles this week would be a start.”

The Wildcats are looking for their first win this season, but if it doesn’t come this week, it may come soon. Over the past two weeks, the Wildcats are averaging 17.5 points per game, up from an average of only five points a game in their first five contests.

Junior receiver Jason Warden is on pace to pass the 1,000 yard combined yardage mark this season. Through eight games he’s gained 880 combined yards this season, 268 yards rushing, 147 yards receiving and 465 yards on kickoff returns.