Monterey Preparing For Toughest Week Yet

Monterey Head Coach Scott Hughes said he is taking a look at the big picture ahead of their week six match-up with Gordonsville.

With a loss to district opponent Westmoreland last Friday, the Wildcats are in the middle of a three game losing streak and have not won in the month of September. Hughes said a lack of effort during the week is not to blame for the lack of execution on Friday nights.

“Our guys are working extremely hard and they have all year,” Hughes said. “We’ve had some self inflicted wounds, but that happens. Our guys are still eager to find success. They’re working hard in the weight room and getting better at practice.”

Including Gordonsville, the Wildcats’ last four opponents have a combined record of 16-4. Hughes said this is one of the hardest stretches of games he has seen as a coach.

“We’ve kind of been the bearer of a nightmare of a schedule,” Hughes said. “Going into this week, this is our fourth consecutive top ten game. So you’ve just got to continue to grind and understand where you’re at and the hardships that come with that.”

Hughes said that his players are aware of the challenge ahead and they have shown up to every practice and weight lifting session with a purpose. He said failure can either define you or destroy you and that right now the team is looking for definition.

“They are showing up and working and they’re accepting the challenge,” Hughes said. “There’s some things that we’ve got to be better at, but ultimately they’re accepting it and they’re going forward with it. And they understand what’s ahead of them and they’re trying to fight to be better and they’re trying to fight to get wins every Friday night.”

Besides a 35-34 loss to top ranked Upperman, Gordonsville has held their four opponents to just 14 points. Their defense is giving up 3.5 points per game in their wins this year.

Hughes said that the Tigers are the most complete football team Monterey has faced in a long time.

“Their speed and physicality is second to none,” Hughes said. “They’re so physical at every position. And then when you look at the speed that they have, they have speed at every receiver position and multiple backs.”

Monterey heads to Gordonsville this Friday. Kickoff at 7pm.