The season of firsts continues for Kennesaw State as they host their first in-state matchup Saturday in a sold-out Fifth Third Bank Stadium.
Brian Bohannon said the Owls playing Shorter (0-1) should be a motivating factor for his team.
“You have someone an hour down the road, you’re going to have to hear about this one for a year or more,” Bohannon said. “Our kids know their kids. I think that brings a little something extra to the table and I think that’s good.”
Like the Owls (2-0), Shorter runs the option offense, which quarterback Trey White said the Owls’ defense has practiced against for over a year.
“Luckily, our defense practiced against an option offense for 78 practices leading up to this season,” White said. “I think they have a good idea and as long as they can follow our defensive coaches schemes, I think they’re going to be great.”
Bohannon said because the Owls run the option on offense, he believes the defense is well prepared to battle the Hawks’ offense.
“I think (Shorter running the option) is going to help us on our end, but you can also say the same thing if you’re coach Jones over there at Shorter,” Bohannon said. “I don’t think there’s any mystery on either side is going to do. I think it’s going to be who can execute the best, play with maximum effort and do the things that we did early in the game Saturday.”
Defensive lineman Nick Perrotta said he feels prepared on defense to play another team that runs the option offense.
“I’m looking for a good, hard fight,” Perotta said. “It’s going to be tough on defense and offense. Both teams run the triple very well. Shorter is a well coached football team but I think on defense we’re going to be able to hold them up after seeing it for so long.
Brian Bohannon said coaches have identified a power running back in Shorter’s B.J. McCoy who had a 77-yard run in Shorter’s 20-7 loss to Carson-Newman on Saturday.
“(McCoy’s) what makes them go on offense,” Bohannon said. “We have to find a way to stop him to have a chance to be successful.”
Against Carson-Newman, McCoy ran for 139 yards and one touchdown.
Bohannon said Shorter is a great opportunity for the defense to prove themselves, but also a test for the offense. Bohannon said the Owls’ offense will face eleven returning defensive starters Saturday, posing a challenge to a young Kennesaw team.
Despite the tests Saturday will bring, White said he’s expecting a great crowd and a tough opponent.
“From an offensive side we have our hands full,” White said. “If we can finish up this week at practice and then go protect the nest, I know the crowd’s going to be wild again.”
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