King George at Louisa

[anon_vu6vqwsr4nf3b]

This should be a good test for both teams, and may very well determine seeding for each team in the East playoffs. Fun facts:

KG has outscored their opponents 132-7 in three games.

Louisa's starting defense has allowed two touchdowns in two games.

KG has rushed for over 900 yards in three games.

Louisa has rushed for nearly 800 yards in two games.

Those are incredible numbers, but something has to give! Since each team has renewed their series in 2013, each game has been fun to watch, but this should be the most entertaining match up so far, especially if you like teams with a good offense and defense. KG's senior RB Jordan Aley is very talented with next-level speed and quickness in their Wing T attack. KG also has two D1AA type defensive linemen, and a new defensive coordinator again (Breck Hall is back at Courtland). They also have a new weapon, bruising sophomore fullback Cannon Zylonis, what a name. Louisa's three main runners, juniors Malik Bell, Job (pronounced Jobe) Whalen, and RaQuan Jones, are Mack trucks with some speed of their own. This game should come down to who plays better defense and gets more stops or turnovers.

 

[DanvilleSportsHead]

Should be a classic game. Louisa is going to be the team to beat (along with Dinwiddie) in the East. Can't teach size. Whalen is one of the top backs in 4a (IMO). Size, 5'11 200 lbs and speed, and the scary thing is he's just a junior... I'm impressed. I don't have any knowledge about KG other than Aley is a baller. Louisa 28 KG 21

 

[OCBoy]

King George opponents have been 1A Essex (1-2), Washington & Lee (0-3), and Liberty Bealeton (1-1) all 3 teams are a combined 2-6. Liberty played without its two star players but the outcome would probably of been the same only thing different is Liberty would have scored.
Louisa's opponents have been Sherando (1-2), Courtland (0-3) combined with 1-5 records. Courtland is down and might go 1-9 or 2-8. Sherando is also down from what I have read but is still a quality opponent. The two losses Sherando has are quality opponents in Louisa and Martinsburg.
Both teams have some size on both lines and should come down to who is more physical.
This game on paper looks to be a good game but I think it could be a defensive game or a big win for Louisa.
Good luck to both whoever wins should be the top seed in 4A East heading into the halfway point for the regular season.

 

[86CulpGrad]

Just sayin'.....if Courtland and Sherando are both down, then the jury must still be out on Louisa.

 

[DanvilleSportsHead]

Just sayin'.....if Courtland and Sherando are both down, then the jury must still be out on Louisa.

They're good. Hoos has been sending me practice footage of these guys! Very aggressive and play hard. Don't see them as hype at all. I think they'd give anyone in 4a a game and even Bleeding Navy said that the Lions could give his Generals match up problems (hope I'm quoting him right).

 

[86CulpGrad]

They're good. Hoos has been sending me practice footage of these guys! Very aggressive and play hard. Don't see them as hype at all. I think they'd give anyone in 4a a game and even Bleeding Navy said that the Lions could give his Generals match up problems (hope I'm quoting him right).

OK.....then Sherando must not be down if they got beat on 2-pt conversion at the end of the Louisa game

 

[anon_vu6vqwsr4nf3b]

Sherando is not that down, they returned 13 total starters, give or take, and the younger guys, like TJ Washington their RB, are tough and fast. Courtland on the other hand returned 4 total starters. Louisa had 8 fumbles/bad snaps against Sherando and gave up a punt return TD, the game wouldn't have been that close or come down to the last drive if it weren't for those mistakes.

 

[hamspear]

Sherando Returned 5 on Defense, 5 on offense. And almost all the new starters are sophomores. The QB, RB, two LB's, two Guards, etc. this year 3 seniors start on O, and 4 on D. Just to keep it real, hammy out.

 

[anon_vu6vqwsr4nf3b]

@hamspear I was just going by this article, figured there was a chance it was wrong or things changed: http://www.nvdaily.com/sports/2016/...warriors-aiming-to-realize-potential-in-2016/

Sherando returns seven regular starters on offense and six on defense this fall, Hall said.

Either way, Sherando is still good and talented. The result, big plays and forced turnovers against Martinsburg speak for themselves.

 

[BleedingNavy]

They're good. Hoos has been sending me practice footage of these guys! Very aggressive and play hard. Don't see them as hype at all. I think they'd give anyone in 4a a game and even Bleeding Navy said that the Lions could give his Generals match up problems (hope I'm quoting him right).

I did say Louisa concerns me. They have big backs and similar style teams have given the Generals fits in the past. I don't know really know good Louisa is, nor do I know how good anyone (generals included) is at this point. Some teams appear to have the necessary pieces to make a run, but darn their have been some shockers thus far. It will enventually play out.

 

[hamspear]

Yeh there is a couple of those that don't start, they play some , but don't start. It doesn't matter , why are you all still talking about that game? Lol that was three weeks ago. Sherando is not to bad , probably getting a lot better since game one. Hopefully , the hard work shows this Friday night . There is always going to be someone that wants to knock your team down a notch Hoos, just ignore it. You all got a good team, and it will show when you all run out of teams that people say you can't beat.

 

[anon_vu6vqwsr4nf3b]

It seemed like 86CulpGrad hadn't been on here in a while until last week, so I was getting him caught up.

 

[DinwiddieProud]

Louisa beat better teams than KG. Essex is down a little, W&L is really bad, and we all agree that this is not the Courtland teams of the past. Courtland was in common, but Sherando was a far better opponent than any of the afore mentioned. My conclusion, Louisa wins going away. An intangible, Louisa is use to big, important games, KG is not use to the pressure, another advantage to the Lions. And, at the Jungle speaks for itself. Louisa, 34, KG 14

 

[anon_vu6vqwsr4nf3b]

@DinwiddieProud KG hasn't played Courtland yet, they just beat a short-handed Liberty.

 

[hamspear]

yes Louisa in convincing fashion , big 42-14

 

[DinwiddieProud]

@DinwiddieProud KG hasn't played Courtland yet, they just beat a short-handed Liberty.

Oops, I knew that. Sorry. Thanks.

 

[anon_vu6vqwsr4nf3b]

I really don't think this will be a blowout for either team. Regardless of the competition, KG's defense looks good and history says this will be another close one. If either team wins by 21 or more I'll be shocked, in an "excited for the future" way if it's my squad. The largest margin of victory over the last three match ups is 10 points.

 

[bclift]

KG's defense this year have been complemented by good aggressive sophomore class from last year. They fly to the ball and don't give up big plays. But they have not been tested by a solid offense yet. Essex offense was out of sync but the defense is one of the biggest anyone will face in the state, their defense line is 390, 370, 275 all over 6'. Number 55 (dline) for Essex is a sophomore (6'3, 275, and fast), he has unlimited potential. This game rest on KGs defense. Louisa will have to keep the ball on offense and grid it out.

 

[bclift]

KG's defense this year have been complemented by good aggressive sophomore class from last year. They fly to the ball and don't give up big plays. But they have not been tested by a solid offense yet. Essex offense was out of sync but the defense is one of the biggest anyone will face in the state, their defense line is 390, 370, 275 all over 6'. Number 55 (dline) for Essex is a sophomore (6'3, 275, and fast), he has unlimited potential. This game rest on KGs defense. Louisa will have to keep the ball on offense and grid it out.

KGs offense has lots of weapons with speed and the O line has handle everyone so far.

 

[anon_vu6vqwsr4nf3b]

Yeah I was looking at Essex's roster like Sheesh! They keep some huge kids over there. We can't forget about the 7+ foot 400 lb kid they recently had too! There must be something in the Rappahannock River water over there!

 

[DinwiddieProud]

Yeah I was looking at Essex's roster like Sheesh! They keep some huge kids over there. We can't forget about the 7+ foot 400 lb kid they recently had too! There must be something in the Rappahannock River water over there![/QUOT

How is that big boy doing? I think he went to a small college in WV?

 

[mike salem]

He is a small college in WVA!

 

[anon_vu6vqwsr4nf3b]

His name is Dondre Harris, and I can't find anything about where he is now from Google, but I'm sure @Essex Trojan1 knows.

 

[anon_vu6vqwsr4nf3b]

KGs offense has lots of weapons with speed and the O line has handle everyone so far.

Looking forward to seeing how they handle the size, speed and physicality of Louisa's defensive line, since no one has been able to handle them so far.

 

[86CulpGrad]

His name is Dondre Harris, and I can't find anything about where he is now from Google, but I'm sure @Essex Trojan1 knows.

Was listed on Fairmont's roster last year (at 475 pds!) but not this year

 

[Essex Trojan1]

Looking forward to seeing how they handle the size, speed and physicality of Louisa's defensive line, since no one has been able to handle them so far.

K.G. scored in the early 1st after Essex fumbled on their 1st play on a handoff. KG recovered on Essex 15 and 3 plays later, scored. Essex D held King George to a 7-0 lead until under 5 min remaining in the 4th. KG score then to make it 14-0 and with seconds remaining, scored on a pick 6 as time expired. Final was 20-0. Essex went toe to toe with them but had 9 turnovers in that game. KG had 4 or 5. I don't think Harris is in school anymore...not football anyway. I've seen him at 2 games this year. He's much slimmer now. Upper 300's I would guess.

 

[EVcyc]

Looking forward to seeing how they handle the size, speed and physicality of Louisa's defensive line, since no one has been able to handle them so far.

I am very eager to see EV and Sherando tonight. I am curious (Hoos) because sometimes film can be deceiving. What size are we talking about for Louisa? I have seen the game with Sherando and I try to gauge the size by some of the kids that I know their size. For example the rivers kid is about 6'2".. On film I don't see a lot of kids from the Louisa side bigger than him. #77 on Sherando seems like the biggest kid on the field. He is a big kid. There are 2 kids on the D line that have some size. Hard to tell how big though. Maybe both teams are big making it hard to tell..

 

[anon_vu6vqwsr4nf3b]

@EVcyc I consider both Sherando and Louisa as having big kids. I believe Sherando's announcer said #77 for them is 6' 5" 285 lbs during their starting lineups. Louisa's defensive line has #72 6' 5" 285 lbs Quinton Ragland and #79 6' 5" 265 lbs Tony Thurston, but I know you can't see their numbers in the video due to the uniforms. Louisa's QB is 6' 1" 250-260 lbs and one RB is 6' 1" 230 lbs. #12 WR/OLB for Louisa, Brandon Smith, is 6' 5" 210ish lbs. Yeah, I think both teams just make it hard to tell how big they are, ha. Camera angles and depth of field from different stadium press boxes make it hard to tell too. But our secondary's size is small besides the SS. Don't get me wrong, EV has plenty of size themselves!

 

[hamspear]

Sherando is not big , and certainly not as big as Louisa. There play execution has gotten better over the past few weeks. Sherando has a lot of speed.

 

[anon_vu6vqwsr4nf3b]

I'm really impressed by Hayes' and Washington's speed. And of course Rivers isn't slow.

 

[EVcyc]

@EVcyc I consider both Sherando and Louisa as having big kids. I believe Sherando's announcer said #77 for them is 6' 5" 285 lbs during their starting lineups. Louisa's defensive line has #72 6' 5" 285 lbs Quinton Ragland and #79 6' 5" 265 lbs Tony Thurston, but I know you can't see their numbers in the video due to the uniforms. Louisa's QB is 6' 1" 250-260 lbs and one RB is 6' 1" 230 lbs. #12 WR/OLB for Louisa, Brandon Smith, is 6' 5" 210ish lbs. Yeah, I think both teams just make it hard to tell how big they are, ha. Camera angles and depth of field from different stadium press boxes make it hard to tell too. But our secondary's size is small besides the SS. Don't get me wrong, EV has plenty of size themselves!

Ok some big boys then. They reminded me of Liberty from 3 years ago with a different style of QB. Even though Sherando is said to be down, it's still a good test for us. Love it when we play the good teams, makes Friday night much more enjoyable.

 

[anon_vu6vqwsr4nf3b]

Essex went toe to toe with them but had 9 turnovers in that game.

Man my friend with the film left that detail out, ha. I didn't even see that stated in any articles. I feel much better about tonight.

 

[bclift]

KGs offense has lots of weapons with speed and the O line has handle everyone so far.

 

[bclift]

King George learned a lot about its offense against a big Essex team. It took some time but when it clicks they score and score fast. Many adjustments made since that game, they have definitely gotten better each game. It’s hard to tell size on film, kg has a 6'6" 310 OL with plenty of offers and a very strong center with good size. They don't have the size RB Louisa has but if you give them a seam its home run city. I'm a firm believer that size or speed does not make a football player, football player happens once you suit up. It should be a good game, looking forward to it. Good coaching staff at L and KG. I'm anxious to see how this one turns out. If it’s a close game I don’t think either team will lose respect. Turnovers decide most good matchups!

 

[bclift]

The Essex kid "Dondre Harris" was at Fairmont college WV last year. I spoke to this massive man a few times. Good kid

 

[DinwiddieProud]

Really sorry to hear that it must not have worked out for Harris. I know he wanted it bad.

 

[shauntclair]

King George learned a lot about its offense against a big Essex team. It took some time but when it clicks they score and score fast. Many adjustments made since that game, they have definitely gotten better each game. It’s hard to tell size on film, kg has a 6'6" 310 OL with plenty of offers and a very strong center with good size. They don't have the size RB Louisa has but if you give them a seam its home run city. I'm a firm believer that size or speed does not make a football player, football player happens once you suit up. It should be a good game, looking forward to it. Good coaching staff at L and KG. I'm anxious to see how this one turns out. If it’s a close game I don’t think either team will lose respect. Turnovers decide most good matchups!

Size and speed do not make a football player? That does happen. Much as your opinion is appreciated, there is not a College Coach in America that will agree with you or recruit less. They will take size and speed over heart and work every time. Every time.

6'6" and 310 pounds will get an offer, even if he can't block a Middle Schooler. A 6'2" 220 pounder that pancakes every player in front of hm, won't get a second glance.

 

[anon_vu6vqwsr4nf3b]

I really don't think this will be a blowout for either team. Regardless of the competition, KG's defense looks good and history says this will be another close one. If either team wins by 21 or more I'll be shocked, in an "excited for the future" way if it's my squad. The largest margin of victory over the last three match ups is 10 points.

History repeated itself, and even when Louisa went up by 15 and KG looked gassed, I knew KG would show more fight in the second half, and they did. @bclift congrats to your guys on a hard-fought game, that's the best KG team I've personally seen. As you said, #74 at 6' 6" 300+ lbs is for real. He, #54 and the other defensive end (I forget his number) had me very worried! They stuffed the run like it was nothing for most of the first half, but just got tired. Going against that line should help prepare us for future teams. As we also said, the game came down to turnovers, of which KG had 3 and Louisa had none, but the biggest momentum swing was KG's dropped TD pass. Louisa dropped a possible one also, but KG's was more blatant, and was when they had the momentum. Louisa just went on a tear from there. I'm glad Aley is a senior, he kept the game interesting until the final whistle. There might be a rematch forthcoming (I hope not!).

Malik Bell ran for 214 yards on 22 carries. His 58-yard TD run just before half was beautiful. Job Whalen had 18 carries for 108 yards and 3 TDs. The Lions finished with 469 yards of offense (88 yards passing with a long pass for a possible TD dropped, but I'll take it), and 103 yards in penalties. Gotta fix the penalties ASAP.

http://www.fredericksburg.com/sport...cle_1ad7b430-692d-5016-b300-9ddfd8f0f4a3.html

 

[bclift]

I agree with all above. I'm on a cell phone today so it will be short. Good game for both teams. Could have went either way. KG lost their big DT in the first quarter do to a concussion, that hurt the def a lot. Louisa if a very good team. Not so sure either is state finals material but it depends a lot on the competition.

 

[anon_vu6vqwsr4nf3b]

From the Scrimmage Play article:

Defensively, Brandon Smith had a huge game with seven tackles and three of them for a loss.

“We’re just trying to put the right athletes in the right spots,” Fischer said. “We tried to guess with him on when to blitz. He’s still a young pup and there are some things he can improve on but you can’t complain about the way he played tonight. He did a heckuva job.”

He's the 6' 5" sophomore I've been talking about, and couldn't be more proud of. My family is good friends with his.

Defensive linemen Quinton Ragland and Donald Thurston respectively had six tackles with a sack and five tackles with two TFLs.