Essex will need to be more balanced if the run has a tough go at it which means Zay Bundy will need to connect on his attempts down the field.
For the first time since 2015 the champion in Class 1 won't be Riverheads. One thing that is similar is one of the teams that has been there 3 years in row and that is the Maroon Tide of Galax. Their opponent, the Essex Trojans had seen their season cut short in the semi-finals and came into the big game undefeated and ready to finish with a great ending. We will take an in-depth look of what each team will have to do in order to drive back with joy.
Galax overcame a 1-3 start from a tough schedule to play for this season's top honor and Coach Shane Allen has improved throughout the season. The Maroon Tide has a strong offensive line which will face one of their fastest defensive fronts. Ahmad Bryson is one of the strongest on the line and will be trying to make lanes for the most experienced runner on the field, Tedruhn Tucker (6 foot, 215 pounds). Tucker is an athletic powerful runner who will be a problem for any poor tackler.
Sophomore Tommy Jones (6 foot 4, 205 pounds) has been able to deliver off play action effectively thanks to the solid rushing attack. Jones has some sure handed receivers who are ready to step up as the game calls for them. And the defense has bent but has been able to adjust and step up whenever needed. They were essentially holding back the high powered Honaker Tigers just enough to lock in another trip to Salem.
Coach Todd Jones and the Essex Trojans have a group playing years ahead of their time. Ever since the 4th quarter of their first game the Trojans have been hard to handle. The Trojans have a solid young quarterback in Xzayviia "Zay" Bundy (5 foot 11, 200 pounds) who is a strong runner and has an accurate enough arm to be a threat. Avari Walker is the leading back active who has excellent vision and the speed to exploit any defense. Izaya Terpening is another contributing back who has filled in well for Jaden Holmes who is out injured.
The Trojans defense has been what has propelled the squad and will likely be the reason they will have a shot to capture the crown. Bryan Roane has been a key leader on defense and will need to be leading the way versus the balanced offense of Galax. Essex has been forcing turnovers and got key stops over the past 2 games to change the momentum in the contest and their effort will be needed Saturday.
KEY PLAYERS TO WATCH
Essex
- QB Zay Bundy
- RB Avari Walker
- DT Tristan Marshall
- LB Bryan Roane
Galax
- QB Tommy Jones
- RB Tedruhn Tucker
- WR Ayden White
- WR Colton Coomes
PATH TO VICTORY
ESSEX:
Essex's main agenda will and must be stopping Tucker and forcing the Maroon Tide to be one-dimensional. This will make the playaction less effective. If Tucker is able to get 3-4 yards a carry then it will make Essex defense acceptable for the pass.
Zion Darby and Brian Roane amongst others must be able to make playoffs across the line of scrimmage. Providing pressure on Jones will create opportunities for the Trojans to take advantage of.
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GALAX:
Galax must win the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball in order to sway things in their favor. If the Maroon Tide can run the ball effectively then expect the Trojans to be worn down in the 4th.
Colton Coomes and the rest of the receiving corps will need to come through on 3rd down conversions to keep the Trojans from loading the box and making the play action a serious component late.
Winning the battle in the trenches will decide who wins the big game.
BOTTOMLINE:
Turnovers usually decide games in a game with so much pressure to deliver. If Essex can win the turnover battle then that and the speed advantage will be too much to overcome. If Tommy Jones has enough time in the pocket and can push the deep ball, Essex will be in a tight battle late.
PREDICTION: Essex 20 Galax 14
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