2010 Opponent Preview: Enid Plainsmen

GuthrieSporsPage.com previews each of Guthrie's 2010 opponents.

	Game Buildup
Offensive coordinator Scott Mick goes back home as the Jays play a 6A team for the second consecutive week. The programs are familiar with each other by scrimmaging each other over the past few seasons, but the playbook's will be opened up for this game. It will be the first road challenge for the Jays in the 2010 season and a good one.

Season Outlook

Enid knows how tough it is to make the playoffs when playing in 6A football and especially in the district of 6A-4, where Union continues to put together an impressive streak of district titles. The success of the Plainsmen and a playoff spot will depend on the legs of running back Jonathan Burton. Expect teams to pack the box and force the Enid passing game to try and beat them. Luckily for Enid they return their quarterback and top receiver from a season ago. The defense was hit by graduation and may be the primary focus for head coach Tommie Parker.

	Players to Watch
Jonathan Burton (5-11, 200, Sr.) RB Alex Patterson (5-11, 170, Sr.) QB

Key's vs Enid's Offense

Guthrie will be challenged by an overall very good running back, who not only carried the ball for over 1,200 yards, but averaged 10 yards a catch out of the back field. Burton was a 100 yard plus guarantee each Friday night. The Guthrie defense has accepted many challenge's just like Enid and Burton will present. When the Jays stop the run and force teams to pass they have had a great win-loss record. The Plainsmen do return Alex Patterson, at quarterback, who threw for over 1,000 yards with 11 TD passes and only three interceptions.

	Key's vs Enid's Defense
The Plainsmen lost their two top tacklers from a season ago and Jonathan Burton will be depended on more defensively to go along with his heavy offensive duties. Enid will have size on the line and may dampen the Jays running game. The Jays proved a year ago they can win the game throwing the ball, but the Jays running game will be the key in this game.

	Game Implications
This is the final game of the non-district and both teams want to be going into district play with some confidence. The game should benefit both teams to prepare them for their upcoming district games.