Brooks will try to flip the script against rival Deshler

KILLEN - Deshler week is becoming a biannual event for Brooks.

For the second time in as many seasons, the Lions are preparing for a rematch with their region rival, with an opportunity to extend their postseason on the line.

Last year, Brooks lost to Deshler 41-26 before falling 21-14 to the Tigers in the Class 4A semifinals. This season, Brooks lost 28-7 at home to Deshler in week 9.

Friday, Brooks (11-1) will host Deshler (9-3) again, this time in the state quarterfinals.

The Lions have won one of their last six against the Tigers. In its last 26 games, Brooks' only three losses have come against Deshler.

Still, Brooks players said they maintain a mind-set that they can compete with Deshler and suggested that this heated rivalry has yet to cool.

"We're happy to still be playing. We're not giving up by any means," Brooks coach Jerry Hill said. "I don't think we have a mental block where, 'We can't beat Deshler.' Unfortunately, we haven't beaten them but once in the last six tries. But all the games have been close in the fourth quarter. That's all you can ask for. Our kids are going to play hard."

Hill admits motivation isn't a problem during Deshler week. Taking the edge off is more of an issue.

"We try to take it like a regular game, not get too hyped up about it," senior defensive lineman Taylor Carney said. "If we do that, we might get beat. Coach just keeps us calm. We do what we're supposed to do and prepare for it like it was a normal game."

Carney cited jitters among some of Brooks' young offensive linemen as a factor in the Lions' week 9 loss. Deshler's defensive front got to Brooks' quarterback Alex Mitchell early, forcing the first-year starter to hurry his reads. The Tigers also shut down the run, holding the Lions to minus-18 yards on the ground.

"They came at me pretty quick," Mitchell recalled. "I didn't really have time to do much and threw the ball around not really caring where it went, just trying to get it out of my hands. We had a lot of underclassmen who really hadn't played in a big game. Now that we have that under our belt, it will be different, I hope."

Mitchell and his teammates said they weren't shocked to see Deshler shutout second-ranked North Jackson last week. The Tigers held the Chiefs to 124 total yards and the first-string defense allowed just 17 yards rushing on 18 attempts. Meanwhile, Deshler's spread/Wing-T hybrid offense racked up 209 yards rushing. Running back Jemeriz Owens rushed for two scores and quarterback Chase Blackburn passed for two more, both to receiver Deion Belue.

Hill acknowledged that there aren't many chinks in Deshler's armor, but did recite a recipe for competing with the Tigers.

"If you can survive their frenzy, and not fall behind by two or three quick touchdowns, you have a chance," he said. "We did a pretty good job of that last time."

In the first meeting this season, Brooks trailed by just a touchdown before Deshler opened up a 14-point lead with a touchdown 7 seconds before halftime.

"We just came out with our heads down after that," Carney said.

Hill also stressed the importance of limiting big plays, like Owens' 31-yard catch-and-run for a touchdown and another from D.J. Box for 43 yards and a score last time.

"You hope to limit their big plays and make them drive the football," Hill said. "In high school football, if you do that, a lot of times penalties or turnovers will catch up to you. But against them, if you let them snap it seven times or less (during a drive), they're going to score. You have to make them drive for eight or more plays and hope they make a mistake to put themselves in a long-yardage situation."

Hope is a word and desire the Lions like to talk about as they gear up for another rematch with Deshler.

"We just have to put the last game behind us," wide receiver Austin Hill said.

"And get ready for this one," Carney added. "It will be different."

Bryan App can be reached at 740-5730 or bryan.app@timesdaily.com.