MOORE — For much of the season, Westmoore has been struggling to find its identity on offense. One game they will pound the rock, another they are flinging it through the air.
As they head into the final week of the regular season, it seems the Jaguars may have found exactly who they are. In their past two games they have grounded out 566 yards on the ground in wins over Sapulpa and Tulsa Edison.
But Friday Westmoore (6-3, 4-2) will get a real test when it faces a talented and athletic Broken Arrow (6-3, 5-1) on the road in the season finale.
“If we can control up front, it will take more of their skill type guys out of the picture,” senior Nick Hardaway said. “We will let our run game take over. If we can dominate up front, that will definitely be the deciding factor.”
Behind a mammoth offensive line, the Jaguars have been able to run for more than 200 yards in every single game, But it hasn’t been until the last few weeks that it has made a even more dedicated effort to its ground game, which then sets up its passing attack.
The Jaguars have a three-headed rushing attack led by tailback Austin Richard 752 yards), quarterback Jhames West (645) and backup runningback Keiron Hardrick (754). They have also combined for 34 touchdowns on the ground.
Hardrick rang up 133 yards and 3 TDs last week and believes the team can do the same against BA.
“The run game is getting a lot better,” Hardrick said. “We’ve developed a whole lot. We just have to execute and make big plays. No stupid penalties. They are a good team.”
But it all begins with the front line and the attitude they plan to take into the game.
“When we run the ball, it’s consistent dominance over other fronts,” Hardaway said. “That’s what we do best. I feel like that’s what others know that’s what we do best. It doesn’t matter if they know what we are doing or not. If we can go out there and force our will on them, it doesn’t matter.”
