Desperation might be too strong a word to describe the situation the Pillow Academy Mustangs find themselves in.
But coming off an uninspired 26-16 loss to Indianola Academy and after winning just three games in the previous two seasons, it’s fair to say Pillow’s fragile ego can’t take many more hits if the team is to turn things around in 2013.
The Mustangs can take the first step toward that with a win over Lee Academy Friday night at PA’s Bill Davis Field.
“As was expected, our kids started the week off disappointed in their performance last week, but we’ve had a good week of work. The mood has been good. They are ready to get out there and show they’re better than that,” said Fair, whose team is 1-1 with a season-opening 49-27 win at North Delta.
Lee, the third straight Class AA foe for the AAA Mustangs, is 2-0 after routing A foes Lee (Ark.) and Strayhorn by a combined score of 100-0.
“We know Lee will come in with a lot of confidence, and it’ll take a good effort on our part to beat them because they are really playing well,” Fair said. “Lee is tough and physical on defense. They run the option, and that requires you to be really sound on defense. Everyone has to take care of their assignments.”
Last week, Pillow was outgained by more than 250 total yards by Indianola. Fair is expecting a much better game from the Mustangs on both sides of the ball.
“We just didn’t block and tackle well at all,” said the sixth-year PA head coach. “Until we correct that, there is only so much we can do with Xs and Os. If we get the fundamentals down, we’ve got a chance to be a good football team.”
This will be the home opener for the Mustangs, and Fair is hoping that will put an extra pep in the step of the Mustangs.
“It’s always good to play at home, and we feel like we play our best football at home,” he said. “I expect a good showing from our fans and our team.”
Contact Bill Burrus at 581-7237 or bburrus@gwcommonwealth.com. Follow on Twitter:@Bill_Burrus.
