Coach Jim Rakestraw of the 10th state-ranked AA Red Devils from Druid Hills High believes that followers of his football team will see an improvement in his team’s defensive play when the hottest little team in DeKalb County meets Cross Keys in pursuit of its fourth straight victory.

Rakestraw feels the Red Devils off week was highly beneficial to his team.

“We spend a lot of time working on defense,” said the affable coach. “I think you’ll see some improvement. I’m pleased with the progress we made defensively.”

“The linemen concentrated on techniques, and I believe this is going to make us tougher defensively.”

The additional time proved beneficial in other areas, too.

For one, it gave Tom Stubbs time to get back off the injury list. Stubbs will play a lot at defensive end and linebacker for the Red Devils.

Furthermore, it gave the Red Devils additional time to work on their passing game, and the opportunity to find another receiver in senior split end John Schisler, who Rakestraw thinks will prove to be a valuable addition to the team.

The coach is extremely high on junior split end Trip Childs.

“He’s getting better every day,” said Rakestraw.

As any and all rival coaches will tell those who inquire, the key to Druid Hills’ offense this year, once you get past the fine job being done along the offensive line, is senior quarterback David Middour.

“He’s our most underrated player,” says Rakestraw “but he’s our leader on offense.”

“The kids believe in him. He’s a team man. He does what it takes to get them going.”

“He’s interested in winning.”

Some other unsung people who have done an outstanding job, too, are assistant coaches Kent Manwaring (defensive line), Raymond Farmer (defensive backs), and Ken Townley (defensive line).

Both Farmer and Townley are former head coaches with 13 years of experience between them.

“Their contributions have meant a lot to us,” said Rakestraw. “Our secondary is also very underrated. It’s only allowed an average of 60 yards passing, and Coach Townley obviously has done an excellent job with the offensive line.”