Winning on the road important for Incline’s football team
By Brian Nordli, Reno Gazette-Journal
Incline will need to learn how to win on the road if it wants to make the playoffs this season.
The Highlanders lost every road game last season and finished 4-4, just short of the playoffs. They are more experienced this year behind four-year starting quarterback Patrick Murray and more accustomed to third-year coach Mike Evans’ spread offense. Incline’s schedule also allows the team to play what Evans called the “Big Four” perennial playoff teams (Yerington, Rite of Passage, Battle Mountain and Pershing County) at home where they went undefeated last season.
“Road games killed us last year; we couldn’t win one,” said Bobby Thoms, a senior middle linebacker and center. “To make the playoffs, we need to make sure we play well on the road and take some at home.”
On the road the defense allowed big plays and failed to make stops. In a game against Yerington they allowed three touchdowns in the first five possessions. Thoms said playing the “Big Four” at home will give them a chance to make the playoffs.
The Highlanders also will have to overcome a small and inexperienced offensive line. Evans said he will keep his plays simple for the offensive line and quick passes.
