How do the West Alabama Prep Titans prepare for tonight’s opponent, the Wildcats of East Memorial Christian? If you know the answer, WAP head coach Bob Taylor needs your help.

“I don’t have a clue,” stated Taylor, when posed this question.

“We’ve seen a film on (East Memorial), but I’m not sure we saw very much. I hope we’re not walking into an ambush.”

2004 marks the first year of football for the Wildcats of East Memorial. Their home games are currently played at different venues in the Greater Prattville area, with tonight’s game hosted at Wetumpka High School.

Even directions to the field have been elusive to Coach Taylor, only stating that “if the lights are on when we arrive, I’m sure we’ll be able to find it.”

“We have worked on the Titans this week in practice. We’ve had some time this week to spend on the little things like technique, fundamentals, tackling, etc. I think that if we can get those things right, we should start winning those close games.”

If it seems Coach Taylor hasn’t gotten over the first two games (both statistical losses by 3 and 7 points), it’s because he hasn’t.

“I know we’re supposed to put those games behind us, but we have so much to learn from them. We have approached our practices this week correcting mistakes that could cost us close games in the future.”

“I think the team’s attitude has been the same. They know how good they can be, and they know it takes a full 48 minutes to reach that potential. I’m pleased with how they’ve responded.”

All kidding aside, the Titans are heavily favored in tonight’s contest. The Wildcats, who dress only two players above the level of sophomore, took a 66-0 whipping at the hands of Central Christian last week. One change in Titan preparations has been the inclusion of several junior-varsity players.

“I hope that we get the opportunity to use several (JV players) early in the game. It should be a game where all our guys get some good experience.”

Wesley Ballard, who comes into tonight’s game averaging 76 yards rushing and 96 yards passing, leads the Titans statistically. Charlie Lee leads all receivers, averaging 4 catches for 77 yards per game.

Two interesting (yet irrelevant) facts surround tonight’s game. First, the Titans have enjoyed a combined 9-2-1 record against other Wildcats around the AISA, including Edgewood (1-0), Springwood (4-0) and Wilcox Academy (4-2-1). The most recent meeting was against Springwood in the 1990 1A State semi-finals, a 32-0 win for the Titans en-route to their first State Championship.

September 10th has also been kind to the Titans through the years, as they are undefeated when playing on that meaningful date. Most recently, coach Ryan Poe’s Generals scored their only victory of the season on September 10, 1999, against the Catherine Academy Colts, 24-12.

Tonight’s game will kickoff at 7:30 pm. WXAL AM-1400 will air live play-by-play beginning at 7:15 pm.