When Loyd Star coach Brian Ford looks at the Salem Wildcats on film, he sees an improved, athletic team that has speed in the skill positions.

“Their quarterback is a big athletic kid who ran the ball really well against West Lincoln,” said Ford. “They had a running back go down with an injury, but they just plugged another guy in his spot. We’ll need to establish the run and keep their offense on the sidelines.”

Salem quarterback Daquarius Redmond has only thrown for 99 yards this season, but he’s averaging 9 yards per carry on the ground. The other Daquarius on the Salem roster — running back Daquarius Bridges — has rushed for 132 yards on only 11 carries through two games.

Loyd Star quarterback Dane Smith has been terrific thus far for the Hornets. Smith has gone 20-for-21 for 235 yards and two touchdowns. Senior fullback Zach Baker had a huge game last week in a 47-33 win over McLaruin. Baker rushed 18 times for 173 yards and three touchdowns.

“Dane is making great decisions in running the offense,” said Ford. “Zach stepped up big for us and ran the ball very hard last week.”

Senior linebacker Braden Ezell leads the Hornet defense with 16 tackles through two games.

Salem lost to West Lincoln last week after beating Bogue Chitto at home in their opener.

Kickoff on W.E. “Sambo” Smith Field is set for 7 p.m. Friday night.

Story by Cliff Furr