Cardinals take on first of many tough non-district tests

SHINER — Shiner St. Paul face a tough task this non-district season. Those seven games they play are highlighted by past state champions as well as tough competition from playoff-contending teams on both the TAPPS and the UIL side. Last year’s combined record for their seven non-district opponents is 36-30, with Bryan St. Joseph skewing the record with a 1-9 season.

The Cardinals know this and yet are ready to take on their first test on Friday, a matchup against the Yorktown Wildcats, a playoff contender.

“They got a good quarterback and good skill kids,” Shiner St. Paul Head Coach Jake Wachsmuth scouted. “Up front, their line does a good job of blocking.”

The Wildcats are a spread offense looking to get the ball to their athletic skill players.

Defensively, the team is ready to face an aggressive Yorktown team who runs a split formation, looking to stop the Cardinals from running the ball.

When asked on whether the Cardinals would have anticipate playing multiple players at quarterback this season, Wachsmuth noted it was “conceivable,” that they do just that.

“We could,” he told the Inquirer. “We’ve had two that have worked there, we have one that’s hurt right now and hope that’s back pretty quick.”

Speaking of injuries, Wachsmuth mentioned that he had a couple of kids banged up by non-football related ailments prior to the season. With a team the size of St. Paul’s one or two athletes can make a difference.

“Our kids have done a great job with the situation,” he reassured. “We’re hoping when the guys come back, they make us even better.”

Though non-district games don’t count toward playoff positioning, Wachsmuth believes the team has the talent to win Friday night. Winning will lead to confidence building, which will ultimately lead to a successful 2018.

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at Yorktown.