Springville will take on Erwin Friday after losing its first game this season against Mortimer Jordan 19-15.

“We need to be disciplined and that’s something we’re working towards,” coach Keith Maple said of his team’s mindset going into tomorrow’s game. “They’re very athletic, very big and they play a tough game.”

Erwin has depth on offense and the Tigers will have to keep their defense ready for anything it might encounter on a last moment audible.

“They run everything,” Maple said of Erwin’s offense. His Tigers have been putting in the hours on D this week and are ready for a team that’ll run anything from a spread to a power-I.

The Tiger offense will be going against an Eagle defense that typically sets up in a four-three or four-four, which might play to Springville’s advantage, since the team’s strong point usually comes from its passing.

But last week showed that if it comes down to it the Tigers can use their running backs effectively, but must overcome penalties to be successful.

Springville giving up three interceptions, one fumble and 14 penalties for 113 yards, including two critical penalties that cost them 30 yards in just a few plays was something that head coach Keith Maple wasn’t going to mince words about.

“It’s hard to overcome that, especially since we run a spread offense,” Maple said. “When it’s raining and with the field conditions [the way they were], it’s not something that’s easy to work with.”

But Maple did praise his players for sticking with the fight Friday and when the game continued the next evening. “I’m very pleased considering that all our passing couldn’t take shape because of the field and everything we did with our offense Saturday. We didn’t throw that much Friday because it was so nasty.”

The highlight of the Tigers’ running game was junior Demarcus Tremble, who had 180 yards on 25 carries. His footwork got the Tigers crucial yardage when needed.

“Marcus picked up the slack and did a great job,” Maple said. “He had an 80 yard run that set up Josh’s score and then the two point conversion. He was a highlight along with a couple other players we used from our running package.”

Shawn Fitzgerald also had a great game at wide receiver. The senior had four grabs for 69 yards and a touchdown.

“I’m proud of Shawn,” Maple noted. “He came in and replaced Jeremy [Richardson] at the half and did a great job.”