Lake View Opens District Play at Home Against Plainview

SAN ANGELO, TX — The Lake View Chiefs (3-4) look to bounce back at home this week when they open up District 3-4A against the Plainview Bulldogs (2-5).

After three straight games that went to overtime, the Chiefs took a much-needed bye week last week to rest, regroup and prepare for the grind that is district play.

"It wasn't exactly rest and relaxation, but obviously we pulled back a little bit," head coach Hector Guevara said. "We emphasized a little more on fundamentals, and pulled back a bit on the physicality of the practice."

Despite the Chiefs' 3-4 record, Lake View could very easily be sitting at 6-1 heading into district. The Chiefs took Big Spring, Levelland and Pflugerville Connally all to overtime before eventually falling in the extra period.

"That was a tough three-week stretch," Guevara continued. "But like I told the boys, it's good to be in a position to win a game. We just have to finish the game, and I have to do a better job of doing that and getting the kids ready."

With that being said, the experience the Chiefs gained during those tough battles will serve them well throughout district play. Lake View looks to make a statement against Plainview on Friday.

"It will be a tough contest Friday," Guevara said. "Hopefully we will be in another position to win that ball game."

Plainview joins District 3-4A after spending the last 12 years in 5A. Dropping down usually comes with the benefit of a larger program, but with the athletes that Lake View has on both sides of the ball, the Chiefs are in a prime position to start district play 1-0.

Plainview's offense consists of a potent passing attack and a team that really does not like running the ball. The Bulldogs are led by senior quarterback Mason King, who has thrown for 1,264 yards and 11 touchdowns. However, the young man has also added 13 interceptions. The turnover-hungry Chiefs' defense should be able to exploit this tendency.

On the ground, the Bulldogs bring a plethora of ball carriers to the table, but Blake Williams leads the team with 85 carries for 566 yards and eight touchdowns.

On defense, the Chiefs will need to be sound in the secondary. If Lake View limits big-play opportunities and forces Plainview to run the ball, the Chiefs should have a good day.

Offensively, Chris Alvizo and the rest of the offense need to start early and score often. Lake View has already proven it can hang with the best of them on offense, but slow starts forced comebacks from the Chiefs during the three-game overtime stretch. If Lake View can build a lead early, expect the Chiefs to come away with a win.

Kickoff in Friday's matchup is scheduled for 7 p.m.