Vandals Shoot For 2-0 District Start On Homecoming Night Against Mineola

After taking care of one squad of Yellowjackets in Kemp, another group of Yellowjackets will be heading into Van Friday night.

The Van Vandals will be hosting the Mineola Yellowjackets for homecoming in a 7:30 p.m. kickoff Friday at the new Van Memorial Stadium.

Van, 4-2 overall and 1-0 in District 14-3A, opened defense of their district championship Friday night by defeating the Kemp Yellowjackets, 3-0, in double overtime in their district opener.

Mineola, 3-3 for the season and 0-1 in the district, began its district schedule by falling to the Eustace Bulldogs 58-28 at Eustace Friday night.

The upset-minded Yellowjackets will be attempting to not only spoil Van’s homecoming but also trying to break a three-game losing streak after winning their initial three contests.

"Mineola is a big, physical football team," pointed out Vandal head coach Brady Pennington. "Defensively, they run a ‘50’ and their defensive line averages 275 to 280 pounds per man. They have big linebackers. Offensively, they will run primarily out of the I-formation. Their receivers are big and tall."

Pennington is anxious to see how his team responds as they continue preparations for the game Friday night while battling potential homecoming-related distractions.

"It is always a concern when you are getting ready for a football game and you have parades, hall decorations and other things going on related to homecoming," pointed out the Vandal head coach.

So far as injuries are concerned, as reported last week, junior wide receiver and quarterback Michael Gates was lost for the season due to shoulder surgery.

Senior running back Chase Rabe, who returned to action last week against Kemp after suffering a foot injury on September 11, re-injured his foot but the injury is not believed to be serious and he is expected to play Friday night.

Senior wide receiver Joey McMinn re-injured his ankle against Kemp but came back into the game and he is also listed as "probable" for the homecoming game against Mineola.

In other District 14-3A action, the Wills Point Tigers, 1-0 in district, will be visiting Kemp, 0-1, while the Canton Eagles, 0-1, will host Eustace, 1-0, for homecoming Friday night.