Brennan Briggs

Batavia Football 

The Batavia Blue Devils are looking to defend their title in Class B. Before they begin their journey to another championship, I caught up with head coach Brennan Briggs:

AB: Going into Class B as defending champion, does your mindset change at all from where it was last season at this time? Or is it mostly the same?

BB: “My mindset has remained the same. The goal is to get better everyday. I don’t like to think about championships. We need to live for the moment and focus on improving every opportunity we get.”

AB: Are you happy with the focus and effort that your team has put forth up until this point of the season?

BB: “I’m relatively happy with the focus and effort. I’ll always demand more, but the team knows what it’ll take if we want to compete for a title. As far as preparation, we will take it one week at a time. We’ve really focused on reaching our potential and not worrying about the upcoming opponent. Every day, we work on a game plan, but we also schedule periods where we focus on what we need to do in order to improve. Always have to strengthen your weaknesses.” 

AB: What have you seen from Midlakes on film? Do you believe there are any areas in which they may present a problem for you guys?

BB: “They run a form of the triple option. Anytime you face a team who runs an option attack, you have to stress assignment football. The QB is good when the ball is in his hands. We will have to do our 1/11th tonight and play team defense.”

AB: Speaking of defensively, although the offense has gotten much of the press this year, how impressive, in your mind, has the defense been?

BB: “The offense has done well, but ultimately it is defense that wins football games. The defense has been steady. We still need to clean up some rough sports, but we have focused on that this week. The guys take pride in our defense and it has showed multiple times this season when they’ve had their backs against the wall.”

AB: Last question, what will be the most important factor in your team achieving success this year in Sectionals?

BB: “Taking care of the football, doing your 1/11th, and obviously – execution.”

Tonight, Batavia faces Midlakes in their first step in obtaining their second straight Sectional title. Should be a fun ride.

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