Rams gain confidence but remains grounded while piling up wins

When Scott City football coach Terry Flannigan took over this fall after a five-year absence, one of his main obstacles was getting players to buy into his system after they had played for three different coaches the past three seasons.

After three games, it appears Flannigan's fears are being put to rest. Scott City is off to a 3-0 start, its best since 2000 and matching its win total for all of last year.

"They're starting to pick up on it," Flannigan said. "I feel bad for the seniors because they've had four different coaches in four years. It's hard for them to be totally trusting."

In their three wins, the Rams have had different parts of the team step up each game. Scott City's opener saw the offense carry the team with 44 points. In its win Friday against East Prairie, the defense posted a shutout.

"You want both of them on the same night," Flannigan said. "But if one's sputtering and the other can step it up, you have a chance to win."

Scott City running back Matt Schaefer has rushed for more than 100 yards in each of the Rams' first three games to lead the offense. Much of that success can be attributed to strong play from the line.

"It seems like our line's shaping up," Scott City quarterback Mark Johnston said. "They've really surprised me."

Added Flannigan: "They've shown on two or three series they can go 5, 6 or 7 yards a chunk anytime they want to."

Scott City's defense, after allowing 20 points in their opener, has only allowed seven points since.

That defense will have to be strong again Friday when the Rams travel to Brentwood. The Eagles have three running backs with more than 100 yards and a quarterback who has thrown for more than 300 yards.

"The main thing right now is defense," Johnston said. "Right now, it's the Scott City defense. Right now, they're putting up the numbers."

As the wins pile up, so does Scott City's confidence. Smiles could be seen as Tuesday's practice wound down, with thoughts of another win on the players' minds.

"We're starting to get the confidence back," Schaefer said. "In the past few years we haven't played real well, so we're trying not to get a big head."

Flannigan also makes sure the focus is on the next opponent.

"When you win Friday night, you're the man for the weekend. When it gets to Monday, you put it on the shelf," Flannigan said.

So what is the key to Scott City's fast start?

"We're working harder. We're not giving up," senior lineman Josh Marshall said. "If something bad happens we don't put our heads down."

Added fellow lineman Jarrod Pullen: "We have a lot of strong leadership, and we hit it hard in the offseason."