LYNN — The last four powder puff meetings between Classical and English have gone the Rams’ way. Coach Rob Smith and his team would like to maintain their success with a fifth consecutive win Saturday.
“We voice that every single day in practice,” Smith said. “That’s our No. 1 goal. We want to keep the trophy on this side. We want to maintain that. This game’s for bragging rights.”
Smith’s in his 12th season coaching the Rams for their annual powder puff clash. Joining him on the coaching staff are assistants Lew Reynolds, Harold Watler, Rod Valerie and Derek Edmonds.
“I enjoy it tremendously,” Smith said. “I like being able to teach the kids. I like being around them. I like seeing smiles on their faces. I enjoy watching them having fun. There’s a great competitiveness to this. It’s a fun time. On both sides, these girls take this seriously. They know that it’s just one game a year.
“My coaching staff has done a wonderful job. I really owe them a big ‘thank you’ for volunteering their time.”
Classical, with 55 girls on the team, started practicing two weeks ago. Smith admits things were shaky at the start but the Rams have moved in the right direction since then.
“Everything’s starting to come together,” Smith said. “The girls are gelling together. It’s a work in progress but it’s getting there. We have three days left to get everything fine-tuned. It’s not like years past when we had a ton of athletes. We’re going to have to piece this one together.”
The offense runs under quarterback Kiara Edmonds’ watch.
“Kiara’s always talking, always trying to put people in the right places,” Smith said. “She’s constantly learning the offense that we run. She’s a great leader.”
Classical also boasts a solid ground attack.
“We’re pretty strong at the running back position,” Smith said. “We feel really good about our running game.”
Defense has been Classical’s strongpoint in recent years. The Rams have logged two consecutive shutouts, including last year’s 21-0 win.
“Our defense is going to be strong again this year,” Smith said. “We emphasize defense. I think we can score but we want to stop them from scoring. That’s our goal. English has always had a great team. We’ve been fortunate.”
Amber Crayton and Jean Gupton-Morrison will guide the defense.
“They just have a natural talent for the game,” Smith said. “They’re always in the right positions. These two have it. They understand the game and they just have it.”
Smith knows coming away with a win Saturday will be much easier said than done.
“English has some good athletes over there,” Smith said. “We have to find a way to try and contain Julianna Perry and Ravyn Rapley. I don’t know too much beyond that but just those two alone are going to give us fits. But we’re up to the challenge.”
Kickoff is scheduled for noon at Manning Field.
“We’re both very competitive teams,” Smith said. “This is a game we look forward to every year. We’re excited for Saturday.”
