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Hometown heroes
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Each week high school coaches gather to review their Friday night game on video. It gives them a good evaluation and points out weaknesses in certain areas needing to be addressed.

For the Eastside Eagles, it's difficult to find any faults after week one of action, especially after a 31-0 blowout over crosstown rival Newton.

As a result, Eastside was voted Atlanta FOX 5's Team of the Week.

Now the Eagles (1-0) are looking for more or less of the same against the Red Devils (1-0) tonight at Loganville.

"It's going to be a very hostile environment," said Eastside head coach Rick Hurst. "Their kids don't like ours and our kids don't like theirs. It's a good little rivalry, one that we want to keep. We just need to come out and try to take their crowd out of it.

"If we play like we did Friday we'll have a good chance," added Hurst. "(Loganville) is a much better football team than what we faced last week, but I think we're a much better football team than what they faced last week. It's going to be both teams' first true test of the season."

Loganville defeated Monroe Area, 28-7, during its season opener. Last year, the Eagles defeated the Red Devils, 14-7.

In order for the Eagles to win their second consecutive game of the season, they must be able to contain senior tailback Zach West. Last week, West accounted for 79 percent of Loganville's overall offense, as he rushed for 230 yards en route to a 28-7 victory over Monroe Area.

"He's their workhorse," acknowledged Hurst. "(Loganville) is going to give it to him 25 times, so we have to stop him. If we can limit him to less than 100 yards, then we'll have a chance to win the game."

Despite not being a very fast running back, West makes up for his lack of speed with his strength, making it hard for the first defender to bring him down.

"He's shifty and hardnosed," said Hurst.

According to Hurst, his offensive line didn't play as well as it might have appeared against the Rams. For example, there were times when it did not stay on its blocks very well.

"That's something we've tried to correct this week," admitted Hurst. "I think defensively there (weren't) a whole lot of holes. I was impressed with our pursuit, but it has to be that same way (tonight)."

Still, Eastside managed to accumulate nearly 400 yards of total offense against Newton, including 200 yards rushing with eight different players.

Despite the blowout victory, the Eagles have remained humble yet hungry for another win. For example, after the game against Newton some players could be heard saying, "Alright, let's start thinking about Loganville."

But most victories must pay a price, and as a result junior wide receiver Antarius Terrell will not play against Loganville due to injury. Terrell had some fluid drained from his knee, and an MRI has been scheduled. Eastside's Jerome Ivey will start in his place.

"He's had a great summer and he's earned the right for a chance to start," noted Hurst.

The Eagles held Newton to just 115 yards of total offense. In addition, they limited the Rams to just 2.03 yards per carry (29 rushes for 59 yards).

Against the Rams, Eastside's Larenzo Echols, Bo Childers and Yanrick Tinker were named the Chick-Fil-A Players of the Week. Hurst reiterated how special each of their performances was against the Rams.

Echols had five rushes for 78 yards (15.6 average), including one touchdown. In addition, he had one reception for 14 yards and one punt return for 15 yards.

"(Bo) had a great game," praised Hurst. "Good things happen to people who work hard, and he's a prime example of that. He's got to have a great game (tonight)."

Tinker was near perfect kicking the pigskin - 4 for 4 PAT, including a 44-yard field goal and one punt inside the 10-yard line.

"He has more confidence than anybody on this team right now," said Hurst. "It's nice to know that we've got a weapon like (that)."

Meanwhile, Loganville's defense remains questionable. Against Monroe, the Red Devils held the Hurricanes to 254 total offensive yards.

Despite a strong showing from the defensive line - holding Monroe to just 73 rushing yards on 24 attempts (3.04 average) - the Red Devils allowed 181 passing yards. However, they did record an interception which was ultimately returned for a touchdown by senior defensive back Darren Brooks.

For Loganville, senior linebackers Joey Cantrell and Charlie Prince each recorded six tackles, while Chris Lackey and Drew Moore had five apiece. Six other Red Devils had at least three tackles.

"We're going to try and establish the run," admitted Hurst. "We're not going to change too much. We have to take care of the football again (0 turnovers against Newton). If we get out into the secondary, we've got a chance to go."

The Eagles will be announced as the first Team of the Week on Good Day Atlanta anytime between 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. today. However, Eastside will be featured on High 5 Sports Saturday at 10:30 a.m. Saturday.