Lifestyle

   Van Vleck Head Coach Robert Blackmon looks for “another hard physical game” when his Leopard squad plays Tidehaven in a District 3A-2 standoff at home Friday, Oct. 16.
   The cross-county contest this year will feature both teams with close records thus far.
   Van Vleck is 3-3 and 2-0 in district, while Tidehaven also is 3-3 and 1-1 in district.
   “Our open week went well,” Blackmon said.
   “We revisited things that gave us trouble earlier this season and gave some banged up players some time off.
   Blackmon was asked whether playing an in-county team is different than other games.
   “I’m quite sure it has some ‘extra’ meaning to some,” he said. 
   “Some of our players and their players probably have hung out together and have competed against one another in other sports,” Blackmon pointed out.
   The Leopard coach noted Tidehaven strengths.

   Tidehaven Head Football Coach David Lucio expects “a great game” when his Tigers taken on the Van Vleck Leopards there Friday night. 
   “Both teams have been steadily improving throughout the season,” Lucio said.
   “It’s a huge game as far as playoffs are concerned, so I expect a great showing from both squads,” he added.
   “Our off week was good. We worked on some parts of our game that needed attention and got a head start on preparing for the Leopards,” Lucio commented. 
   “The Van Vleck game is always a big deal to our kids, as it is for their kids too. 
   “Their offense is deadly, they can score a ton of points on any given night,” Lucio said.
   “Their quarterback and running back are two of the best in the area. 
   “We have our work cut out for us in containing those two, along with the other weapons they have running around catching the ball,” the coach said.