Wayne travels to Stratford Friday night for a pivotal District match up for the Bulldogs.

Michael Blackburn will have his Stratford Bulldogs in their traditional ground and pound offense and Wayne’s defense will need to play physical to pull out the win.

“We’ll see Power I and Wing formations,” Wayne head coach Brandon Sharp said. “It will be smash-mouth football and it will be won up front and the more physical team will win.”

The coach said Stratford’s quarterback, Lincoln Hall, is active and will have to be accounted for.

Stratford is coming off a 38-0 win over Healdton.

“They’ll be feeling good and  match their intensity and play better than we’ve been playing,” Sharp said.

Elmore City

Wayne was defeated by Elmore City last Friday, 28-0.

The Wayne offense struggled for yards much of the night.

“Our lack of offense right now is hindering us,” Sharp said. “We’re not moving the ball and we’re putting our defense in bad positions.”

The Wayne defense allowed several big plays to the Badger offense, but maintained some solid play.

“At times we did okay on defense,” Sharp said. “But we gave up the big plays again.”

Two of Elmore City’s scores were on big plays – runs of 54 yards and 61 yards.

Eli Hobson registered 10 tackles and a sack in the game. It’s the third consecutive game he’s had more than 10 stops.

Jesse Hartless had two tackles and a fumble recovery.

“We’ll keep plugging,” Sharp said. “The kids have a good attitude.:”