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Oak Creek — Tonight might be the best time for Soroco to catch the West Grand football team. After all, West Grand was hammered, 38-6, by Hayden last week.

Still, Rams coach Andy Reust isn't so sure.

"It could be a good time," the first-year head coach said. "It could also be the worst time."

The Rams (1-2, 0-1 in league) have battled injuries up front along the offensive line all year. But Reust said this might be as healthy as his team has been all year. Despite losing 34-20 to league foe Meeker last week, the Rams were able to move the ball on the ground with relative success. They also got a 74-yard kickoff return from running back Bryan Spaeth.

"We were healthy enough that we probably should have had a better showing against Meeker," Reust said.

The Tigers also had a few hiccups. They lost a fumble at the Meeker 4-yard line and gave up a touchdown pass with only 10 seconds to go in the first half. Reust said a key to tonight's game will be avoiding such mistakes.

"Whoever doesn't turn the ball over will probably win the game this week," Reust said. "Field position and penalties will also be a big deal for us."

West Grand (1-2, 0-1) comes into the game beat-up and bruised from its defeat at the hands of Hayden. West Grand gained 103 yards on offense, including only 33 yards on the ground, and fumbled eight times.

"That is probably the worst game we've played in my 31 years of coaching," West Grand coach Chris Brown said. "Can we improve? I guess we'll find out."

Although West Grand has been a predominately run-based team in the past, Reust said West Grand quarterback Mackenzie Widener can toss the ball.

"West Grand is very well-coached," Reust said. "They're always a very physical team. They'll give us everything we want and more."

- To reach Luke Graham, call 871-4229 or e-mail lgraham@steamboatpilot.com