High School Sports

By CHRIS PARRY
Staff Writer

The days of a "vanilla" Red-White Game are over.

Lee head coach Mike Owens is making some changes and expects his players to respond.

Robert E. Lee's annual close to the spring football season kicks off at 6 p.m. today at Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium. The junior varsity game precedes the varsity contest.

The Red team is comprised mainly of the current starting lineup on offense and defense. The White team is mainly backups.

Seems like a mismatch, but Owens expects the White team to give the Red all it can handle.

"In the past it's been a lackluster both teams are just wallowing around out there and not getting after it at all," Owens said. "This is the last practice and I wanted them to get after it. It's a matter of survival as far as I am concerned because you are playing for a position (when two-a-days start).

"We need to find out who really wants to play, so I've made some rules to make sure the White team (is competitive)," Owens said.

Some of the "rule" changes for this game are: the White team cannot lose possession on a fumble or interception, the White team gets the punt wherever it lands, the Red team defense can only play "base" with no stunting or blitzing. If the Red team gets a penalty, it's assessed whereas the White team may not get one.

"The Red team may win, but it's going to be very difficult, and if they aren't getting after it, it's going to be tough for them to do it," Owens said. "It's going to be more like a scrimmage than a spring game. It's going to be whatever we decide it to be. If we want the White team to get three possessions in a row, they are going to get three in a row."

Lee is coming off a district championship season and was bi-district champs. The Red Raiders lost several starters on defense and offense, but return many key players, starting with junior tailback Da Da Brown. Last season, Brown totaled 1,233 yards rushing with 12 touchdowns. He also racked up 181 yards receiving, highlighted by a memorable 49-yard touchdown catch and run.

Owens does not expect Brown to play as he recovers from turf toe.

"If Brown plays it will be a couple of downs, but if that (turf toe) is still bothering him at all, he won't dot the field," Owens said.

This leaves the door open for returning tailback Aaron Myers, who had 20 carries for 154 yards and four scores this past season. He's joined on the Red by Luke Wagner, a two-year starter at quarterback, who tossed seven touchdowns last season. Chris Dinkins, a TCU commit, is moving over from the defensive side of things to rotate in at quarterback and J-back. Owens explains the J-back position is lined up in the tight end slot, but is not on the line of scrimmage.

"It's kind of a tight end, but they are off the line. We've got more speed at that spot so he can go in motion and do all kids of stuff. But they also have to block," Owens said. "If they don't block, I will put them on the sideline with me."

The Red defense will be manned by linebacker Blake Roberts (third on the team in tackles with 69 last season), who has also committed to TCU, and defensive end Patrick Howard (50 tackles last season).

The White team is rotating four quarterbacks and numerous other positions. Owens said some starters, like Cordero Blaylock, will be on the White team so they can get more reps. The White team roster lists nearly 80 players whereas the Red is comprised of 38.

"There will be young guys (on the White) who will be young guys next year, but they are good players," Owens said. "They will take some lumps probably early.

"If the No. 2s want to get in the game next year, then they better show me because I am going to give them every opportunity."