NEW MARKET -— Southmont football ended the regular season with one of the hardest schedule in the state. Facing the likes of Western Boone, Tri-West, Lebanon, and Danville, Southmont enters post-season play on a four-game losing streak after starting the season 5-0. They will travel to Cascade (3-6) tonight to kick off Class 2A Sectional 37 play. Despite the four-game skid, the Mounties are optimistic about opening up the post-season and getting back on the winning track.
“I’ve liked our preparation this week,” Southmont coach Desson Hannum said. “We’ve been in pretty good spirits and we know that at this point in the season it’s win or go home. In our play there has to be a sense of urgency. With a great week of practice behind us it’s now all about going out and executing and being able to handle the situation of something does go wrong.”
Cascade and Southmont on paper are similar in their heavy-run style offenses. The Cadets have just 37 pass attempts all season compared to 328 rush attempts, and have only completed 11 of those 37 attempts. On the ground they’re led by Liam Farmer who has 132 carries on the season tallying 802 yards and 11 touchdowns. Devon Weigle mans the quarterback position, but is more a running style QB as he’s rushed for 277 yards on 59 attempts. Jackson Mantooth is another option out of the Cadet backfield with 51 carries for 303 yards.
“They’re happy with getting three yards a carry and setting themselves up for a short fourth down attempt,” Hannum said of the Cadets. “The biggest thing for us defensively will be holding up against that running attack and limiting the big plays. We’d like to force them into a situation like a third and long where they have to pass. Then get off the field on third down and force a punt. We also have to jump on them early on offense. Building a one to two score lead is what you want to try and do against them.”
Even with a losing record like the Cadets have, Hannum knows that at this point in the season, you throw the records out the window and can’t overlook any opponent.
“They’ve started to play a lot better as of late and you can tell that on film,” Hannum said. “We’re going to see a team that’s motivated so we can’t have a sluggish start. It’ll simply come down to playing our game. When you go on the road, special teams is important. Keeping the turnover margin in our favor will also be important, and limiting penalties against us. All of those things mean you’re coming out and playing disciplined football.”
The Mounties will be looking for their first sectional win since 2017. The winner between the Mounties and the Cadets will host the winner between Lafayette Central Catholic and South Vermillion next Friday.
