Entering their first district game after the bye week, Whiteface focused on their pass defense entering the game, and it showed up for the Antelopes to get the win, 59-14 over the Springlake-Earth Wolverines.
After the win versus Newcastle, Whiteface’s head coach Jeff Jones said: “One-on-one pass coverage, we need to work on that a little,” during the bye week in preparation for the rest of the season.
Whiteface coverage skills showed themselves by allowing only 65 passing yards while breaking up six passes and getting two interceptions against Seagraves.
Cesar Chaves was the defender who constantly had a nose for the ball, with four total pass breakups and snagging both interceptions for Whiteface.
“We got some really good pressure on the passer with our front,” Jones said. “Cesar is just in the good spot on who we knew was their most favorite target.”
The Antelopes continued to be efficient with their rushing attack with four total touchdowns through the ground, including senior running back Jaxon Hodge with two touchdown runs, while junior running back Atticux Cardona and senior quarterback Isaak Soliz added one apiece.
Starting 1-0 in District 2-1A (6-man), Whiteface’s next opponent is the Whitharral Panthers (2-6, 0-1) district, who are coached by Josh Watson, former assistant coach at Whiteface, and Jones expects familiarity on both sides.
“Watson knows our offense and our defense like the back of his hand, so he’s going to know how to manipulate it,” Jones said. “Coach Flores coached with Coach Watson for 2 or 3 years, and he knows what Watson likes doing.”
The Antelopes and Panthers will kick off at 7 p.m. on Oct. 30 at Whiteface.