Flames’ objective is clear – win and get in

The Flames return home today for a must-win contest against Cedar Park Summit today at 7:30 p.m.

“If we win this one, we’re in the playoffs,” head coach David Denney said. “If we don’t, we put our shoulder pads and helmets up.”

The Eagles are led by quarterback Brandon Marsh, who has already thrown for 1,500 yards. He has at least three receivers who have recorded an estimated 400 receiving yards led by Matthew Salisbury, Jordan Barkman, Josh Olson and Sam Drinkard.

“They spread you out and throw the ball,” Denney said. “The question is, can we slow them down? The team we play has a good offense.”

Summit’s defense is similar to Faith’s, which should make it easier to pick apart, the coach said. 

“We get to work against our own style of defense,” he said. “When you work against yourself, that’s good. They allow a lot of points.”

That’s good news for quarterback Ryan Roberts, running back Will Diamond and the rest of the offensive unit. 

Roberts has completed 50 percent of his passes, while Diamond has more than 40 carries for more than 500 rushing yards. 

The Flames have suffered back-to-back losses the last two weeks. The first was to Austin Hill Country, 84-68, while the second was to Temple Central Texas Christian, 64-62.

In both contests, the Flames were within a possession of getting a win. Against CTC, Faith partially blocked the two-point kick, but it still went through the uprights.

“We’ve had two close losses,” he said. “Bad things happen to us so when good things happen to us, we can enjoy it and it makes it that much sweeter.”

Faith played in two contests that tested the players physically as well as mentally.

“Our kids are kind of beat up,” Denney said. “We’ve had two really physical ball games. We have some bumps and bruises.”

But no matter what, the coach said the players’ attitudes have been great.  

“We’ll bounce back,” he said. “I think we’ll be ready to go.”