Injuries + suspensions = ¡Ay caramba! For Bloomingdale

Posted Nov 2, 2011 by Eddie Daniels

Updated Nov 4, 2011 at 11:05 AM

First of all, Bloomingdale coach John Booth knew taking on Plant this Friday would be a steep enough task on face value. The Panthers, the 2010 Class 5A state runner up, enter this matchup 7-1.

They’ve outscored opponents 262-100.

Booth’s group isn’t shying away from the challenge, but that challenge will be made a bit tougher because the Bulls (4-4) aren’t exactly at full strength.

Last week in their 49-24 loss to Wharton, due to a combination of injuries and player suspensions, seven starters were out of the lineup, Booth said. This week, he’ll be without CB Gerard Trott and S Alan Yearby due to violations of team rules, while DL Jake Martin and Christian Bennett will miss the game due to injuries. LB John Hester (wrist) will be a game time decision.

The good news is offensively, everyone is back and as long as the running game works and the rest of that unit clicks, they’ll limit the time Plant has with the football. Additionally, those stepping up on defense are ready to put in work.

“That’s kind of the encouraging thing …,” Booth said. “Certainly the kids that have the opportunity are excited about it and of course when you’re playing on a big stage with a great team like Plant, it definitely brings more excitement to it.”