Raiders prepare for clash with talented Chargers

The first game of the Mike Glaze era in L.D. Bell football is set to be played Friday when the Blue Raiders face Keller Central at Pennington Field. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m.

The new head coach has actually seen the Blue Raiders more than he has seen the Chargers in recent years.

Glaze was the offensive coordinator at Cedar Hill as the Longhorns defeated Bell in the first round of the playoffs in both the 2012 and 2013 seasons.

“[I’m] obviously very excited about this opportunity, not only because it is our first game, but also excited to be playing a team that I am not very familiar with after being on the south side of the Metroplex for the last seven years,” Glaze said.

“I have seen very little film on them, but they seem to play hard and be well-coached in all phases.”

Central coach Bart Helsley’s Chargers are seeking a fifth straight playoff appearance, though they have yet to get past bi-district. Bell, which is coming off a 1-9 season, had previously reached bi-district four straight seasons.

And though it is a long season, Glaze sees this as the first step to the Raiders returning to the success they knew not so long ago – but he’s not only talking about the final score.

“Every team in the state of Texas wants to start off with a win, but one game will not make or break your season, especially a non-district game,” he said. “We are focused on playing each and every play as if it was the most important play of the season.”

Glaze will rely on senior quarterback Dominique Lawson to unveil his multiple offensive scheme in an actual game for the first time at Bell. Lawson is no stranger, however, to offensive success, as he had over 800 passing yards and over 600 rushing yards in 2014.

Lawson has plenty of targets in receivers Tacorian Howard, Ricky Walton and Jonathan Castillo.

The Chargers, 6-5 a year ago, will rely greatly on their passing game as well, as wide receiver Nick Rischer hauled in nearly 850 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Central does, however, have a question at quarterback. Reese Robertson entered the fall as the leading candidate, but Grant Meek is also in the mix.

But Glaze said whomever is throwing the ball, his team will prepare as it always does.

“We try not to rate the teams we play and strive to prepare for each one with the same effort and attention to detail,” he said.

Glaze did note his team will have to contend with the unconventional 3-3 Stack defense the Chargers run. And, of course, he’s anxious to see how good the play is in the trenches.

“I think that, as in most games, this will be won up front. I am excited to see our offensive line match up against their defensive line and vice versa,” said Glaze. “Both teams have some really good skill players that can create explosive plays on any given play.”

Both teams boast some strength on the line. Bell has junior tackle Brendon Weatherspoon (6-4, 290), while the Chargers feature Nathan Farmer (6-4, 285).

In the end, however, Glaze said the team that opens with a victory will be the team that can adhere to the simplest of formulas – not only this week, but beyond.

“It is the most important game this week, but after this game a team can still go 1-9 or 15-1,” he said.

This story was originally published August 24, 2015 at 3:05 PM with the headline "Raiders prepare for clash with talented Chargers."