Can't believe we are just a few days away from the end of the season. Already ready for next season. But with that said what a way to close the season with the two teams who have been at the top or near the top of the rankings all year.
#1 East. Sussex (13-0) vs. #2 East. Riverheads (12-1)
Defense is what they say wins championships and with these two teams they both bring it on defense. Riverheads is known more for their prolific offense and with good reason but led by Ridge Stokes the defense is just as good. If anyone doubted the Sussex defense before last week then they surely don't now after they held the powerful GW offense to 7 points. While Sussex only put up 8 points themselves last week qb Malik Delk proved to be the difference with over 100 yards on the ground. It is almost guaranteed that he will need a big game again for the Tigers to win. I think the Tigers could find some success through the air as Galax did last week. If Delk can do that then it opens up the running game as well. Last week Riverheads actually had over 100 yards passing themselves as Chase Armstrong found Ridge Stokes for a 78 yd TD and also a 35 yard completion. Obviously Sussex has seen that on film by now and will have to keep an eye out for a pass when it's least expected. But this is Riverheads and Coach Casto isn't going to stray too far from what their program is built on. They'll feed Schaeffer 25-30 times a game while also mixing in Jordan as well. Sussex will need to have their linemen get penetration and their linebackers to attack instead of read because the Gladiators have so many blockers at the point of attack that if you wait just a second you'll have 4 or 5 blockers out in front. It is imperative for the Tigers to force them into 3rd and 6 or 7 yards as the Gladiators will go for it on 4th many times.
Prediction: The one team that slowed down the Gladiators this year was Stuarts Draft in Riverheads only loss. I've watched that game numerous times. The SD defense was good but this Sussex defense is special. Look for the Gladiators to have some success but also look for Malik Delk to takeover and lead the Tigers to a state championship
Sussex 18
Riverheads 14
#1 East. Sussex (13-0) vs. #2 East. Riverheads (12-1)
Defense is what they say wins championships and with these two teams they both bring it on defense. Riverheads is known more for their prolific offense and with good reason but led by Ridge Stokes the defense is just as good. If anyone doubted the Sussex defense before last week then they surely don't now after they held the powerful GW offense to 7 points. While Sussex only put up 8 points themselves last week qb Malik Delk proved to be the difference with over 100 yards on the ground. It is almost guaranteed that he will need a big game again for the Tigers to win. I think the Tigers could find some success through the air as Galax did last week. If Delk can do that then it opens up the running game as well. Last week Riverheads actually had over 100 yards passing themselves as Chase Armstrong found Ridge Stokes for a 78 yd TD and also a 35 yard completion. Obviously Sussex has seen that on film by now and will have to keep an eye out for a pass when it's least expected. But this is Riverheads and Coach Casto isn't going to stray too far from what their program is built on. They'll feed Schaeffer 25-30 times a game while also mixing in Jordan as well. Sussex will need to have their linemen get penetration and their linebackers to attack instead of read because the Gladiators have so many blockers at the point of attack that if you wait just a second you'll have 4 or 5 blockers out in front. It is imperative for the Tigers to force them into 3rd and 6 or 7 yards as the Gladiators will go for it on 4th many times.
Prediction: The one team that slowed down the Gladiators this year was Stuarts Draft in Riverheads only loss. I've watched that game numerous times. The SD defense was good but this Sussex defense is special. Look for the Gladiators to have some success but also look for Malik Delk to takeover and lead the Tigers to a state championship
Sussex 18
Riverheads 14
