By Brad Greer

Homecoming can be a special time of year for a football team and the student body. It at times can be a headache for coaches when trying to prepare their team for the upcoming game.

North Delta head coach Dan Werner hopes his squad can look past all the hoopla of this week’s festivities as the Green Wave gets set to host Greenville Christian tonight at 7:30.

“Like I’ve told the kids all week, it does not matter if we are playing the Dallas Cowboys of whoever, we have got to stay focused on the task at hand and continue to get better as a team. We’ve got a huge district game next week but the kids have worked hard at practice this week we’re getting for Greenville Christian,“ said Werner.

North Delta (6-2) is coming off their second idle week of the season. The Green Wave was originally scheduled to play Delta Academy when the season began but the Raiders opted to play eight-man football due to small numbers on the team. North Delta improved to 2-1 in district play two weeks ago with a 40-6 thumping of West Memphis, Ark.

Junior running back Tres Brasell scored three touchdowns while rushing for 65 yards on 15 carries. Sophomore tailback Chris Rodgers also found the endzone for his third touchdown of the season. The Green Wave defense meanwhile held the Black Knights to 95 yards of total offense.

Greenville Christian heads into tonight’s contest with a 1-8 record with their  only victory coming in week three against North Sunflower by a score of 40-15. Last week, the Saints were defeated by Marvell, Ark., 40-0. Other losses  were at the hands of Tunica (54-14), Central Hinds (36-0), Bayou (49-3), Tupelo Christian 39-15, Lee, Ark. 44-14, Strider 24-21 and Briarfield La., 40-15.

“They are having a tough year and are down in numbers, but they run a spread offense and like to blitz on defense so we have got to do a good job blocking up front,” said Werner.

The Saints are led on offense by  senior quarterback Josh Tarver (5’9”; 145 pounds) and senior running back/linebacker Immanuel Ford (6’1”; 195). Seniors Bryan Owens (5’11’; 228) and Kendall Magee (6’1”; 225) anchor the offensive line.

North Delta will be without the services of senior  Bill Gurley who sustained a sprained knee ligament in the win over West Memphis. Junior Will Reynolds will take over for Gurley at the right tackle spot. Werner did say Gurley should be back for next week’s game against Kirk.