Essex enters the game at 12-2 with notable wins over Haysi, Colonial Beach, Washington and Lee and King William. The Trojans average 39 ppg while allowing 14 with only one shutout. Essex's opponents combined record is 105-64.
Altavista comes to the game with a record of 14-0 with notable wins over Honaker, Parry McClure, Lunenburg and Galax. The Colonels average 43 ppg while only allowing 5 and have 7 shutouts on the season. Altavista's opponents combined record is 81-77.
Keys to the game for Essex: On offense Essex has to establish a run game and try to limit the time of possession for Altavista. Essex is much more balanced this year and has 3 backs that run the ball well and the line has good size and experience. If the Trojans can eat up the clock and score, which is obviously critical, they should be able to hang with the Colonels. Being able to run the ball should open up the field and allow for some big plays in the passing game as well.
On defense, the Trojans will need to limit the run game of Altavista and force them to pass. Essex has a pretty stout secondary led by Sterling Hammond. Essex will need to keep the ball in front of them and limit the big plays. I don't think you can stop Thornhill, but they will have to contain him if they want to win.
For Altavista: On offense, score early and often. Force Essex into passing the ball which they haven't done as much this year. Establish a run game early and stick with it if it's working.
On defense, don't allow Essex to run the ball and force them into 3rd and longs. Get an interception here and there and capitalize on them.
I'm looking for this to be a much better game than last year. Essex didn't have much of a running game last year to begin with, and with their #1 RB going out in the 1st quarter they were doomed. The weather didn't help either, which I think forced the Coaching staff into becoming more balanced this year. If Essex can run the ball they won't take any chances in passing the ball and this is what they'll have to do to win. Essex is very hungry and much more discipline this season. If Altavista can stick to what's working all season they should win, but if Essex can force a couple mistakes and get Altavista out of their comfort zone it could turn out int he Trojans favor. Good luck to both teams.
Altavista comes to the game with a record of 14-0 with notable wins over Honaker, Parry McClure, Lunenburg and Galax. The Colonels average 43 ppg while only allowing 5 and have 7 shutouts on the season. Altavista's opponents combined record is 81-77.
Keys to the game for Essex: On offense Essex has to establish a run game and try to limit the time of possession for Altavista. Essex is much more balanced this year and has 3 backs that run the ball well and the line has good size and experience. If the Trojans can eat up the clock and score, which is obviously critical, they should be able to hang with the Colonels. Being able to run the ball should open up the field and allow for some big plays in the passing game as well.
On defense, the Trojans will need to limit the run game of Altavista and force them to pass. Essex has a pretty stout secondary led by Sterling Hammond. Essex will need to keep the ball in front of them and limit the big plays. I don't think you can stop Thornhill, but they will have to contain him if they want to win.
For Altavista: On offense, score early and often. Force Essex into passing the ball which they haven't done as much this year. Establish a run game early and stick with it if it's working.
On defense, don't allow Essex to run the ball and force them into 3rd and longs. Get an interception here and there and capitalize on them.
I'm looking for this to be a much better game than last year. Essex didn't have much of a running game last year to begin with, and with their #1 RB going out in the 1st quarter they were doomed. The weather didn't help either, which I think forced the Coaching staff into becoming more balanced this year. If Essex can run the ball they won't take any chances in passing the ball and this is what they'll have to do to win. Essex is very hungry and much more discipline this season. If Altavista can stick to what's working all season they should win, but if Essex can force a couple mistakes and get Altavista out of their comfort zone it could turn out int he Trojans favor. Good luck to both teams.
