Brandon has been in an offensive slump virtually the entire first half of the season, and with the Eagles entering the heart of their district schedule, Coach John Lima said now is the time the unit needs to break through.

Brandon (1-4) travels to Class 5A-District 7 foe Newsome (3-2) on Friday. The Eagles are 0-1 in district play already, and another district loss to the Wolves could be a dagger in Brandon’s run toward securing a fourth consecutive playoff berth.

The early-season offensive problems can be attributed in part to lack of experience (Brandon graduated all of its skill position starters from 2007) and a rash of injuries, but a lack of execution also has plagued the unit.

In some instances, there have been flashes –the running game, for instance, has done well at times, Lima said. But flashes is all the Eagles, who have not scored more than 17 points all season and have been held to six or fewer points three times – including shutouts in two of the past three games – have had thus far.

“We do well in areas, we do well in spurts,” Lima said, “but we can’t seem to get it all together.”

In a 10-0 loss last week to Durant, it was the passing game that struggled mightily. The Eagles had just one completion in the game - on a hail mary attempt. The lack of execution in the passing game essentially took one of Brandon’s best playmakers - receiver Sean Watson - out of the game.

The Eagles have started giving some reps to Watson at quarterback, a move that was made in an effort to get the ball in the hands of the players who can do the most damage.

“We’re not getting enough touches with our great players,” Lima said.

Some good news for Brandon is two offensive starters – tackle Chaz Austin and running back/receiver Greg LaClair – are set to make their return this week after missing the past few weeks with injuries. Just how much they can impact Brandon’s offense this week and spark an eventual turnaround remains to be seen.

“I think they’re both going to play,” Lima said. “I’m just not sure how long we’re going to have them.”