By STEFAN GESTWICKI
OBSERVER Sports Reporter
The Fredonia Hillbilles (2-0) haven't been perfect, but their record sure is.
They'll look to keep it that way tonight on the shores of Lake Ontario against the Wilson Lakemen (1-1).
"They have a lot of seniors," Fredonia coach Bob Ball said of Wilson. "They had a real impressive win against Gowanda two weeks ago and this past week stumbled against JFK. They have some strengths, but it looks like they're battling consistency like we are."
Fredonia will look to play consistently for four quarters after a tale of two halves last week against Allegany-Limestone.
The Hillbillies came out flat in the first half and fell behind 12-0 before rallying in the second half for a thrilling 13-12 victory.
"Hopefully we corrected that (slow start)," Ball said. "On offense it was basically penalties. That and a combination of Allegany having a good defense. On defense it was just missed assignments. Some of the younger guys were going to where they thought the ball was going rather than where they should be."
See FREDONIA, Page B4
One area where Fredonia has been consistent is the running game. The success of Zach Buckley and Weston Ley out of the backfield has taken a lot of the pressure off quarterback Trent Thompson. Both backs scored touchdowns in the win over the Gators with Buckley piling up 160 yards on the ground.
"Buckley's been running well," Ball admitted. "Zach and Weston Ley alternated carries in the second half and had a lot of success. That's due to our offensive line. They were much improved in Allegany from where they were in Week 1."
Another reason Fredonia was able to hang on for the win last week was two late interceptions by an opportunistic defense. The Hillbillies will look to force more mistakes against Wilson.
"It's having an idea through game-planning where they like to go," Ball explained. "Our guys have to be in the right spots. If we can get pressure and make them do things at a pace they're not used to, that's a credit."
Even after what was surely an emotionally and physically draining win, Ball doesn't expect any carry-over effect tonight.
"You want that kind of test," he said. "If you're going to be a good football team, you can't have a letdown the next week. You're hopefully going to have some big wins in the playoffs as well."
With a spotless record early in the season, one thing the Hillbillies don't lack is confidence.
"I want a team that has confidence," Ball said. "It's not being cocky, it's just confidence in the team and with the work we've put in so far.
"The kids are focused," he added. "They do the little things they need to do to get better. They're doing all the right things in practice, it's just a matter of getting it done on game day."
