The challenge for junior Jermie Pittman and the 'Cats' secondary will be keeping a lid on Paris' explosive receiving corps. (Chris Allen/Democrat-News) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

SLATER -- Although Slater won its season opener last week, something it hadn't done the previous two seasons, first-year head coach Chris Ferri knows that more is needed.

"We played decent at times, but were inconsistent," Ferri said about the Wildcats' 16-14 decision at Northwest of Hughesville. "Just simple things: jumping offside, not putting our hands in the right place while blocking and not breaking down on tackles."

These all fall under the correctable category, but Slater will not have an opponent Friday which affords it time to grow. Although Paris lost a 21-14 tilt at Monroe City, the defending Lewis and Clark Conference champion remains, in Ferri's estimation, "a pretty tough team."

The big concern for Coyotes entering the season was replacing all-conference quarterback Joe Gilliam, who ran their spread offense. However, junior Taylor Barr seems up to the task.

"He looked pretty good on film," Ferri said. "He has a decent arm."

It doesn't hurt that Paris brought back a load of talented wideouts -- including senior William Ransdell and junior Jon Gilliam.

"They have a lot of speed and really utilize it," Ferri said. "As long as you have the defensive backs who can cover one-on-one, you can be okay. I think we have athletes who can keep up with them, I hope."

While the 'Cats escaped with a win their first time out, the offense wasn't impressive: managing only three first downs and 131 rushing yards. Without a 50-yard bomb and a safety late in the third quarter, the outcome could have been much different.

"We don't have to have a perfect game, but we can't have the penalties," Ferri said. "Paris can take advantage of those situations."

Fortunately, Ferri senses that his players know they have to get better, and are working accordingly, to take on the potent Coyotes.

"We've had some pretty intense practices," he said. "We're pretty excited about Friday."

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SWEET SPRINGS -- According to head coach Tim Smith, there's one good thing about Sweet Springs beginning the season with a 34-6 loss at defending MSHSAA Class 1 champion Orrick: "If they're No. 1, it all goes downhill from there."

Actually, Smith isn't professing doom and gloom about the Greyhounds' debut.

"We took some positives from the game," he said. "For being on the field most of the game, on our end of the field, the defense did a good job. The kids battled."

On the road again Friday, Sweet Springs will play the I-70 Conference's "other" Greyhounds. Like the Blue and Gold 'Hounds, which also includes players from Malta Bend, Windsor had a co-op arrangement with Green Ridge -- which has given them senior quarterback Brett Shoop, a returning starter.

"I expect them to put Shoop back there and let him throw the ball around a bit," Smith predicted. "They're tough to get ready for because they run so many sets: the T, spread, shotgun."

Windsor also has a strong inside runner in junior Matt Madole, also a presence at linebacker. Smith realizes that his 'Hounds' cannot repeat the paltry 78-yard rushing performance they had against Orrick.

"Our linemen are going to have to come off the ball better and move some people," Smith declared. "We've got two all-conference players there, and that's supposed to be our strength."

With the loss of four quality seniors, who accounted for the bulk of Sweet Springs' offensive production last year, few expected much from this club. Smith and his players aren't among the doubters.

"There are a lot of time we're not mentioned in the conference race" behind Orrick, he said. "We feel kind of disrespected. We've played that card a little bit."

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ALMA -- Despite playing on its home field Friday, Santa Fe will face the unknown when it meets the University Academy Charter School of Kansas City.

The institution first opened its doors in 2000, and has been slowly building its football program since.

It's 4-6 record last year showed progress, especially since it included wins over established Class 1 programs from Archie and St. Mary's.

"They've got an explosive backfield and receiving corps," Santa Fe head coach Andy Frerking assessed the Gryphons. "They're very well coached at what they do."

"What they do" is spread the ball around, starting from the snap to junior quarterback Darrenn White -- who rushed for 124 yards and two touchdowns and threw for another 90 yards during last week's 38-20 victory at Kansas City Center.

"He's definitely a double-threat kind of guy," Frerking noted. "This quarterback presents some different problems."

That's especially the case for a defense which surrendered 199 yards to another quality passer during its season-opening 19-14 loss to Knob Noster.

"The focus has to be defensive, not giving up big plays," Frerking said. "You have to give them a lot of respect on defense."

Like the Chiefs, University Academy runs four-man fronts on defense -- a gap-control approach designed to let their linebackers make plays. In 255-pound senior Joe Johnson, who had 12 tackles and forced a fumble last week, the Gryphons have an impact 'backer.

"We've made an effort not putting the ball on the ground and throwing interceptions," said Frerking after watching four turnovers negate the benefits of Santa Fe's 295 total yards on offense. "Hopefully we can translate that into a good performance."