Although their record isn’t what they had hoped at this point, the Brownwood Lions football team is ready to face the Sweetwater Mustangs Friday night in Sweetwater.  According to Brownwood High School athletic director and head coach Chuck Howard, the team is resilient and mentally tough.

Sweetwater is picked to win by 3 points, which is a small margin and should indicate that the game may be another nail biter.

“I feel good about the game, we have had a good week of practice and our kids will be ready to play.  I don’t pay attention to predictions; all games are decided on the field by the players,” said Howard.  “Our players are resilient.  They will be ready to play.”

Sweetwater has one more win in their column than Brownwood; however, Brownwood may have an advantage in that they have faced some of the most challenging opponents in first few games of this season, some including several Division I players.

“I don’t believe anyone on our schedule other than Wylie has played the level of competition we have played,” said Howard.  “Again, records don’t indicate anything; the game will be decided on the field by the players.”

Howard stated that although the pre-district games have been tough, they have prepared the Lions for better play in the coming district matchups.

“That’s what pre-district games are for, to help prepare for district.  This one is just as important as the previous four games have been in terms of preparing for district,” explained Howard.  “Whether we were 0-5 after pre-district or 5-0, when we start district everyone will be 0-0.  Just like every week, we need to play well for four quarters.”

In looking at statistics, Sweetwater has allowed less points per game than the Lions on average, at 37.  The Lions have been scoring an average of 26 per game and allowing 51.75.    Howard remains positive and states that he and the team are staying focused on winning one game at a time.

“I don’t get caught up in numbers other than those on the scoreboard at the end of the game,” Howard said.

Tackling has been a shortfall for the Lions this season and Howard stated that has been a big focus of this week’s practice, as it is at every practice.

“We work on it (tackling) every day.  I expect to improve in every area of our game,” explained Howard.

The start of the season had some injuries and suspensions; however, this week Coach Howard stated, “As of right now, everyone should be ready to go.”

Howard encourages everyone to make the drive to Sweetwater and enjoy some Lions’ football.

“Come to Sweetwater and support the Brownwood Lions, it should be a good game,” he said.

This week’s game will be at Sweetwater’s Mustang Bowl with kick off at 7:30 p.m.