Clifford: We're still the same team

Beaufort High not dwelling on recent losses heading into playoffs

In some ways, it's almost as if Beaufort High School's first nine games don't matter anymore.

Never mind that the Eagles won each of those contests by an average margin of almost 18 points, making for their best start since 2004.

Instead, most want an explanation for Beaufort's current two-game losing streak as it enters tonight's first round of the Class 4-A Division II playoffs.

It's just the second time the Eagles have lost two in a row during coach Mark Clifford's five-year tenure and the first time they have had at least five turnovers in a two-game span this season.

"I don't think anything's happened to us; we're still the same team," Clifford said. "I think our running back situation hurt us last game (against Goose Creek), but the boys are doing a good job."

That situation speaks to the injuries plaguing Beaufort (9-2). Tailbacks Andre Carpenter and Josh McPherson missed the regular-season finale with an asthma attack and hand injury, respectively, and Jimmy Legree will play this postseason with a cast after breaking his left hand during Wednesday's practice.

But if anything can invoke memories of Beaufort's successful past, it might be its first-round opponent in Berkeley, which has lost three of its last four games. The Eagles have won six of their last seven meetings, including three straight playoff matchups and a 35-7 victory on Oct. 17.

Still, Clifford isn't taking anything for granted.

"I don't think we have any room to underestimate anybody right now," he said. "We're showing them film from when Berkeley beat Fort Dorchester last week and we realize that (Berkeley) is a different team than they were when we first played them."

While that might be the case, Clifford said the key to stopping the Stags remains the same.

Defensive ends Tray Nichols and Alex Wierzbicki along with Beaufort's linebacking corps must pursue Berkeley's runners at an angle in order to slow a perimeter offense heavy on sweeps and the option run. By doing so in their last two meetings, the Eagle defense has held Berkeley's ground attack to less than 100 yards.

On the other hand, it's been Beaufort's proficiency in the run that's made the difference against the Stags, gaining at least 175 yards in each of their last three face-offs. Should the Eagles have similar success tonight, it would be a welcome change from their recent struggles.

During its two-game losing streak, Beaufort's backfield has coughed up the ball four times and leading rusher Brad Gonzalez has twice been held under the century mark. Yet that won't deter the Eagles from depending on a run game that's produced 78 percent of its 4,338 total yards this season.

"We can't worry about the past," said Gonzalez, who had three touchdowns in Beaufort's last meeting with Berkeley. "We just have to keep working, fight harder and not dwell on things we can't change."

Indeed, the past becomes irrelevant when the postseason gets under way. That's why Clifford said tonight's game isn't about what happened four weeks ago or any looming streaks, but rather about the Eagles proving to themselves that they are a state-title contender.

"We're in the position now where we've got to prove that we're not on a slide," Clifford said. "Our backs are against the wall, so we've got no choice but to go out there and make something happen."

BERKELEY AT BEAUFORT HIGH

Who: Berkeley (7-4) at Beaufort High School (9-2)

Where: Eagle Stadium

When: 7:30 p.m. today

Last meeting: Beaufort def. Berkeley 35-7 on Oct. 17 at Berkeley High School

What's important: Both teams are reeling of late, as Beaufort is on a two-game losing streak and Berkeley has lost three of its last four, meaning something has to give tonight. In each of their last three meetings, Beaufort has held the Stags' ground attack to less than 100 yards, making for a stagnant Berkeley offense. The Eagle defense might see more pass with Shrine Bowl cornerback Jimmy Legree playing in a cast after breaking his left hand in practice this week. But the return of tailbacks Andre Carpenter and Josh McPherson should help Beaufort match its 200-plus yard output from their last meeting.

Projected starters

Beaufort -- Offense: Blake Gruel, QB; Andre Carpenter, RB; Brad Gonzalez, FB; Michael Ginn, WR; Brian Simmons, WR; Alex Amaya, TE; Michael Boles, LT; Shane Dwyer, LG; Deon Fuller, C; Zach Trent, RG; Patrick Dennis, RT.Defense: Tray Nichols, DE; Maurice Jacques, DT; Dalvin Broussard, DT; Alex Wierzbicki, DE; Michael Ginn, OLB; Justin Parker, ILB; Sam Venning, ILB; Marquis Simmons, OLB; Jimmy Legree, CB; Arthur Smith, CB; Bryan Jenkins, S. Special teams: Owen Plair, K; Tim Britton, P; Jimmy Legree, KR/PR.

Prediction

Beaufort defense again shuts down Berkeley rush attack -- Eagles by 10.