Rainy weather or wet grass can make football teams alter their strategy for games. The metro area, which suffered flooding earlier this week, has a weather forecast predicting thunderstorms and a 30-percent chance of rain Friday. Here's how some coaches plan to deal with the inclement weather.
-- Alan Chadwick, Marist (3-1)Game: against Tucker (4-0) at DeKalb-Adams on Friday
Rain strategy: Marist has an offense that is perfectly suited for the rain, the run-oriented wishbone. The War Eagles average only eight pass attempts per game, and that's in dry weather. Rainy weather likely will take away Tucker's speed advantage.
Quote: "We just want to try to take care of the ball. Most big games come down to turnovers, and it's much easier to fumble when it's wet. We're preaching two hands on the ball this week, and not to rush the pitches and handoffs. Everything slows down in the rain."
-- Kip Hall, Druid Hills (1-3)Game: against Clarkston (1-3) at Avondale on Saturday
Rain strategy: The challenge is for the Druid Hills coaching staff is to get the team emotionally prepared to play. The Red Devils already have had a ton of distractions, with school construction displacing the team during summer workouts and throughout the first few games.
Quote: "The biggest problem is our situation with changing [into uniforms] outside in the pod. Our equipment is being damaged with mold, mildew, etc. It has been doubly rough on us, but we'll be ready to play this week."
-- Frank Killingsworth, Miller County (3-1)Game: at Clinch County (2-2) on Friday
Rain strategy: Miller County will pack extra towels and have different balls for the second half. Killingsworth says the game plan will remain the same, unless conditions force the Pirates into a straight-ahead power game.
Quote: "I believe the biggest effect a soggy field has is on the defensive backs. The receivers know when they are cutting, so they can plant their whole foot while the defensive backs push off their toes and usually slip."
-- Nick Collins, Newton (2-1)Game: plays host to Stephenson (3-0) on Saturday
Rain strategy: Rain is considered the "great equalizer" — with the speed of faster teams neutralized to a certain extent because of the slippery grass. Collins isn't complaining about the weather forecast because Stephenson is thought to possess one of the state's fatest teams.
Quote: "We have built in a weather plan which calls for us using our two 220-pound running backs and adding two more big linemen up front. The biggest differene in playing in rainy weather is the ability to throw. When you can't throw, it makes it tough to move the ball."
-- Jesse Hicks, Baldwin (2-2)Game: plays host to West Laurens (3-1) on Friday
Rain strategy: Because Baldwin already has a run-based offense, Hicks said the Braves are unlikely to make any major scheme changes. His top priority is convincing and reminding his players not to panic in bad weather.
Quote: "What players and coaches have to realize is that your opponent has to play in the same weather. It's not just your team. We just pray for some break in the weather on Friday."
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