By Brad Greer
For a number of  years, the Oakland Raiders team motto has been, “ Just win baby.”

That is now North Delta’s rallying cry this week as the Green Wave travel to Marianna, (Ark.) for tonight’s 7:30 battle with Lee Academy.

Both teams head into the contest with 0-2 records and are desperately seeking a victory. Last week, North Delta dropped their district opener 21-0 at Desoto, Ark. while Lee fell to Delta Academy 33-6. The Cougars opened the year with a 40-22 loss to Marshall.

“We need to win in the worst way,” said North Delta head coach Lance Thomas.” We just need to win, that is our motto for the week. Just win.”

With Hurricane Gustav dumping more than five inches of rain over Eastern Arkansas, both coaches are expecting a grind-it-out- type game.

“We are going to try and throw the ball some but with the weather conditions the way they are, you just don’t know,” said Lee head coach Jimmy McGergor.

The Cougars and Green Wave both have been plagued by the turnover bug in the first two games. Lee has turned the ball over eight times while North Delta has coughed up the pigskin nine times, five of those in their  opponents territory.

Six seniors, three juniors and a pair of sophomores start on the offensive side of the ball for Lee. Senior quarterback Colby Ball will lead the Cougars spread offense. Wide receivers Clint Sparks and Blaine Bean are Ball’s favorite targets. Sparks caught a 34-yard touchdown pass for the Cougars only score last week.Pete Harris is the lone returning starter from last years quad.

“We have an inexperienced front line that are trying to jell together as a unit and so far it’s been a learning process,” said McGergor. “Looking at North Delta on film, their huge on the offensive line and No. 5 (tailback Tres Brasell) does not look like a sophomore. He is going to be tough to stop.”

Despite giving up 177 yards last week against Desoto, the Green Wave defense has been impressive so far this season. North Delta held the Thunderbirds to 22 yards on the ground through three quarters before surrendering a pair of long touchdown runs midway through the fourth period. Sophomore Corbin Baker intercepted two passes while Michael Magee also picked off a pass.

On a side note, North Delta has filled in next week’s open date with a home game against Benton Academy starting at 7 p.m.