Malakoff Battles Injuries After 3-0 Start

Malakoff has stormed to a 3-0 start to the 2012 season, but coach Jamie Driskell said it's come at a price.

"The kids are playing hard. We've gotten a little better in several areas every game," Driskell said. "But we're fighting injuries really bad. It's hats off to the kids they've stepped up and come together and circled the wagons.

"We've got kids learning two or three positions. It's just worked out for us so far."

The backfield has taken a hit. Starting running back Damontes Dowell and starting quarterback Tate Taylor are out with injuries, Driskell said, and two sophomores have taken over the quarterbacking and tailback duties.

"Marcus Dowell has stepped up and played really well (at tailback)," Driskell said. "Stephan Wolfe is a starting wide receiver and he'll start at quarterback (for Friday's game)."

Malakoff has beaten its three opponents in multiple ways. The Tigers' defense shut down Class 3A opponent Mabank in the opener, 21-7, but Malakoff has used a high-powered offense to subdue its last two foes. The Tigers beat Italy 64-36 and won at Kerens 44-28 a week ago.

Friday's 7:30 p.m. home game against Palestine Westwood is Malakoff's final tuneup for District 7-2A Division I play, which starts next week when the Tigers host Grand Saline.

"Our focus right now is we're trying to stay healthy. We're really in bad shape as far as injuries," Driskell said. "We're going to get out of our normal game plan a little bit and try to control the clock and run fewer plays. Then we'll regroup and get ready for district next week."