Collinsville Expects Win Over Sallisaw

Originally Published: Nov 11, 2009 4:47 PM CDT

Bobby Lewis
Oklahoma Sports Reporter

COLLINSVILLE, Oklahoma – The Collinsville Cardinals don’t like getting scored on. 4A’s top defensive unit gets a stiff test in round one when the fourth seeded Cardinals (6-4, 4-3) take the two-hour bus ride to Sallisaw to take on the top-seeded Black Diamonds.

“I’m excited. It’s a big deal to Collinsville,” said senior running back Merin Oakley. “We haven’t been here in a while. I think we’re going to do really good.”

“We’re more excited (than nervous),” said senior linebacker Steven Majike. “It gives us a chance to play another game. How could you not be excited?”

Nerves are a non-factor for Collinsville. The Cardinals have faith in their shut-down defense and hope their offense can score enough on the Black Diamonds to keep the game close into the final minutes.

“Let’s not lie to ourselves. They’re number one for a reason,” Cardinals head coach Lance West said after practice Tuesday night. “We’ve been good, but just haven’t gotten over that hump. This is just one more chance for us to prove to ourselves we can do it.”

The unstoppable force-immovable object discussion fits perfectly into this first round matchup. Collinsville allows just ten points per game while the Sallisaw offense posts over 34 points per game. Collinsville hopes its defense will come out on top Friday night.

“We’re going to dance with what got you there and our defense definitely did,” said West. “I’ve been very proud of our defense. They kept us in ball games.”

Sallisaw started the season 8-0 and split the final two games of the season. Kickoff is set for 7:30 Friday night in Sallisaw. The winner will take on the winner of the Bishop McGuinness and Tecumseh.

“It’s a brand new season,” smiled Majike. “Our record is 0-0. It’s a good way to start.”