"We did battle back and make some plays. If we learn from that and learn to play four quarters, we will be fine," said Boyle coach Chris Pardue. "We still had a lot of mistakes in the game that we can't make this week.
"In this game, you throw everything out the window. The talent level and size level does not matter in this game. The past few years, strange things have happened. I can remember back when we had our winning streak (47 straight) and Danville beat us. We had more talent that year, but they wanted the game more. That's normally what this game will come down to."
High-scoring in the offing
This game could turn into a high-scoring game much like last year's battle the Admirals won 35-33.
Boyle is averaging 32 points per game and senior quarterback Bryce Perry is 47-for-67 passing for 513 yards and four touchdowns.
"I think he has made a big improvement this year," Pardue said. "What he has to focus on better are the fundamentals. He is doing a better job reading coverages, but when he does not throw a good ball is when his fundamentals are bad."
"There's no question he is doing a good job," Harp said. "This year if he runs, you also have to be concerned. He has a lot of weapons to use."
Ron Crutchfield has 13 catches for 227 yards and one score to lead Boyle. Jordan Aumiller has 11 catches for 126 and two scores. Cody Morris has eight catches for 78 yards and Jacob Enlow seven for 91.
"Our secondary has to play a lot better this week," Harp said. "They throw the ball well. It will be a long night if we don't cover the pass better than what we have been. Last year we made (Boyle receiver) Josh Miller look like an all-American when he was going against air in our secondary because we didn't cover. We are apt to make three or four look that good this year if we don't play better."
Boyle's Christian Williams a threat in the making
Pardue hopes Christian Williams is ready to become a consistent receiver as well. He returned a kickoff 95 yards for a score last week and had four catches for 47 yards. This is his first year playing football.
"He is getting sharper every week. That return was a big step for him, but he also took a big hit for the first time and made the catch. He could be a real big threat by the time we get to the end of the year," Pardue said.
If that's not enough, Harp says running backs Cole Stevens and Crutchfield are impressive.
"Their running backs run hard and they get in a two-back set a little more this year. But more than anything, they are just executing," Harp said.
Danville's Grey and a strong arm
Danville's offense struggled in a season-opening loss to Madison Central when junior quarterback Trae Grey threw five interceptions. Last week at Southwestern, the Admirals amassed 419 yards in a 37-18 win as Grey ran for 71 yards and threw for 84. Tyrell Johnson also ran for 108 yards and completed a halfback pass for 66 yards.
"Grey has a strong arm. He ran the ball a lot the second half last week. He's still learning and developing," Pardue said.
"Danville does a good job mixing up its offense. If you focus on the run, it opens the passing game. With Leonard Macon out there, you have to have somebody to cover him all the time. They are going to take shots down the field with him because he is a great receiver. You can't let him have a big play."
Harp felt his team improved last week, but knows it will take an even better effort against Boyle.
"We can't make mistakes because Boyle will find your weaknesses and exploit them. We don't have a lot of experience, either, and that plays a role in this game," Harp said.
Pardue says his team just needs a win.
"Our kids are doing some good things and they need to see it will pay off," Pardue said. "We can't think maybe we need to be doing something else. What we are doing will work if we just play four quarters and that's what it will take to beat Danville."
