After first victory, Bears eye back-to-back wins vs. Westover | Sports

GRIFFIN — The Griffin Bears will enter their game against Westover differently from the previous week in the season. The Bears will enter the game with a 1-2 record after winning their first game of the season last week against Spencer. Head coach Bernard Goodrum was very impressed with the effort on the defensive and offensive ends.

“We have improved tremendously on defense. We’re starting to understand schemes and create turnovers for our offense,” Goodrum said. “We’ll have to play great defensively Friday night, especially in defending the run game. Offensively, Caden Ellis has continued to progress. Deontae suffered an injury early in the season, and Ellis has stepped up and performed well. Ward’s role will continue to grow as he gains confidence in his ankle.

“I’m particularly pleased with the offensive line and their development. We’ve rushed for over 200yds twice this season and are hoping that trend continues.”

Westover is a good football team, and it is the last non-region game on the schedule for the Bears.

“Westover is our last non-region game, but it still holds implications,” Goodrum said. “We want to continue to progress and develop. Westover is a good team with a great offensive and defensive line. This is the type of team we’ll see in our region and the playoffs if we make it.”

Both teams’ offensive lines will be key in the game, as each would like to dominate in the trenches. Goodrum also expects the defense and special teams to keep playing at a high level.

“As mentioned above, their offensive and defensive lines are good. They are physical and have great size at both positions,” he said. “Our offensive line has good size as well. This will be a key matchup on Friday night. We’ll have a good chance of coming out on top if we can win the trenches. We have to play fast, defensively and get them in 3rd and long situations.

“Offensively, we have to establish our running game and continue to push the ball downfield with our vertical passing game. Lastly, our special teams must be on point and help change the game.”