PCA benefits from Riverdale’s injuries
Published 8:49 am Friday, August 28, 2015
Porters Chapel has officially received its first win of the season, but isn’t too happy about the way it came.
The Eagles’ opponent for tonight’s home opener, Riverdale, forfeited the game because it’s not able to field a team due to injuries.
“They’re just devastated. They really wanted to just play football,” PCA head coach Wayne Lynch said. “We kind of took it a little bit last week because we played such a big school. Kind of takes the wind out of your sails. We got everything going and we’re getting pumped up and a couple of days before we play, there’s no game.”
The game will not be rescheduled. Riverdale has a bye week Oct. 16, but PCA does not have one this season.
“We’re not going to play two games in one week, it’s just too much,” Lynch said. “It’s over now and I just hate we don’t get to play.”
With three of the first four games for the Eagles this season coming against opponents in bigger classifications, they were looking forward to playing a team in the same class that is similar in size and depth.
Lynch has given his players today off to venture to another football game, relax or refocus. He said it’s disappointing to not be able to use things worked on in practice on the field.
The team simplified its formations and focused on about three to run its plays effectively and efficiently. He feels the team made good strides toward improving its offense and wants to iron everything out before district play.
PCA lost its season opener 35-0 to St. Andrew’s last week.
While the Eagles officially have a 1-1 record, Lynch also hates for his seniors to not be able to play in any of their final games.
“They only have a certain number of games left and losing a game is not exactly what they’re looking for,” Lynch said. “It’s going to take a little bit of time for us to recover from it. They’re just kind of upset but they’ll be OK. We’ll be ready to go Monday.”
Lynch wanted to play as much as his team did and said it’s frustrating not being able to compete.
The Eagles will face a Class AAA opponent next week in Central Hinds, then Class AAAA Hillcrest Christian the following week.
“We’re just going to have to get ready and play hard,” Lynch said. “I know they have a good football team. We’re going to get prepared and try to give them a run for their money.”