Affton Looking to Break Through Against Priory

Its "Friday Night Lights" at home for the Cougars football team. In the second week of their young season, the Cougars will face the Rebels of Priory for a 7 p.m. kickoff this Friday. Both teams are hungry for their first victory of the 2011 schedule.

Priory is coming off a close defeat in its loss to the Windsor Owls (Imperial, MO), by a 29-27 score. And Affton, unfortunately, had to face the No. 3 team in Missouri of 2010, the Wildcats of Union. Affton lost, 48-7.

Head coach Marty Combs of the Rebels said, "We have only two returning starters this year. Wide-receiver/free safety Seve Esparrago (senior) and Sam Friedman (junior), who performs well both at left guard and inside linebacker.

"Our team is young and lacks game-tested experience. But what they lack in experience, they more than make up in heart and determination. We made some great plays last week against Windsor, but we need more consistency."

The home team is in a similar situation this week. Like Priory, Affton is a young group of athletes without much collective game experience. The Cougars only have two returning starters in seniors Shane Theby (offensive tackle) and Jean Pierre. Pierre played the role of defensive back all during 2010, but has now moved over to defensive end.

Head coach Dan Oliver speaks proudly of his players. "My guys knew that they were facing an almost unbeatable Union Wildcats football team. They knew very well that Union was No. 3 last year. We played them twice during training camps over the summer, so my kids knew what they were up against.

"But, that didn't stop them from playing their hearts out every play. They have shown great heart in practice this week to get a win against Priory. Once they get a victory under their belt, I think we'll be just fine."