Red Pride is as strong as its ever been and Saturday will be the biggest challenge since Essex last came to Greenville.
Essex (8-1) at Riverheads (12-0) Saturday, 1PM Kick-off
Smashmouth football is still king in the era of 7on7 and low contact spread offenses. Where an encounter with a team that banged made you look like you rolled in the grass all day and not clean like you shot basketball in a gym. Where every yard is earned and when the clock goes down to 0:00.........there is never a doubt who the better team was.
Despite claims from other programs about "Who runs VA?" There is only one team with the hardware currently that proves just that. The talent and the squad that exemplifies greatness. And a coach that is a lock for the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame. And then there's a 48 game win streak (3rd in the Nation Longest) fitting for a team whose mascot is a Gladiator! Not to mention the fact they're seeking their 6th straight state championship!
Yes, Riverheads is still rolling and on Saturday afternoon they face one of the few teams who have always battled hard against their Shenandoah powerhouse. Essex, like Galax, has been the only team that would make folks question what the outcome will be. The Trojans will be the fastest and most athletic team Riverheads has faced since Class 3 runner-up Lord Botetourt who couldn't slow the Gladiators down in a 62-38 victory.
Coach Todd Jones and the Trojans have a great backfield with Dorian Harris and Kamren Robinson and a dual threat quarterback Tre'Vaughan Ball who has gotten better with each week. Damondre Roane is a terror on the defensive line and moves very quick to be over 300 pounds. The team hasn't peaked yet this season and Saturday would be the perfect time for them to put it all together.
Essex always makes Riverheads work and many will travel to the big game Saturday to see just that.
It's going to take a near perfect game offensively and a spirited effort defensively to slow the "Big Red Machine". Cayden Cook-Cash has been absolutely money in the backfield rushing for 1366 yards and with 29 total touchdowns, Cole Burton has rushed for 918 yards with 14 total touchdowns, and Luke Bryant has 628 yards with 11 total touchdowns. All three backs average over a first down per carry. Coach Robert Casto also has an efficient passer in Bennett Dunlap who has thrown for nearly 800 yards and 9 touchdowns.
KEY MATCH UP
Essex's offensive line will have the toughest assignment going against the quickest defensive line they have faced all season. Will they have time for long developing plays will all come down to the play of the men upfront. If the Trojans can use their quick defensive line to their advantage then things will be quite interesting.
BOTTOMLINE
Essex has been solid versus the run most of the season with their speed and physical play usually winning over. The smashmouth style of the Gladiators wing-T attack will eventually penetrate the armour of the Trojans. Their depth and size is an advantage that Essex can really overcome. Playing fast and getting Riverheads on their heels early will be the only shot the Region A champs have in this one. Expect a big 2nd half from the home team in this one.
Prediction: Riverheads 36 Essex 14
