Essex Rasaun Monroe will need to find the edge and stretch the field in this one.
Sometimes the most beautiful things are often sometimes out of one’s reach. In football the state championship is the spectacular game that all players dream about with the opportunity to hoist the trophy in celebration. A validation of all the hard work and effort that went into making the team that can hold the title as champion. For 3 consecutive years Essex has entered the room with the lovely trophy but only to find the case locked from them when it was over. This season looks to be different and the Trojans have the key.
The expectations are clear and the goal has been simple. Win the state championship and claim the fame that has been well deserved for a program that has had a sensational run. Built on relentless effort, speed, and passion the Trojans have did everything to ready themselves for that moment that happens on December 12th. Before they get to Salem and play for it all they must first get pass Galax and the powerful rushing attack.
The Maroon Tide knows the feeling of coming up short of achieving that big prize as well. 2011 they came up falling to Clintwood 33-28 in the big game. This season they have been a drive or two in each of their losses from being an undefeated team. Galax was 1-4 that included a 1-point loss to George Wythe among them. Since then they haven’t loss a game and have been spectacular on offense with their aggressive tough running style. Power back Charles Harris has been the big producer for the Maroon Tide who has the chance to set the VHSL single season rushing record if the tide can play one more weekend after this one. Galax runs out a deep I-formation where the backs get a good vision of the holes to exploit allowing Harris and others the best shot to roll.
Essex defense has been strong versus the run all season. The team got a big jolt of confidence when the forced the veer offense of Sussex Central to retreat to the spread. Stopping the big rushing attack of the Tigers in a physical contest made has been the perfect test for the strong running of the Maroon Tide. The attacking defense of Essex has the speed to recover and athleticism to make big defensive plays. They expect to show Galax something they’ve never seen before. Galax hasn’t been stopped yet on offense but the big match up maybe the Galax defense versus the Essex offense that features a dynamic duo in Rasaun Monroe and Malik Martin.
Martin will be a major factor on both sides of the ball. He is the leading tackler, leading rusher, and scorer for the Trojans. The superior back is very strong and also has dazzling speed. So does Monroe who can make any defender miss and leave him in the dust from various positions on offense. Galax will be highly focused on where Monroe lines up as the turf at King George will only help add to the speed of the Trojans. Despite the success of these two the Trojans have an arensal of weapons that will need to be deployed to assure a trip to Salem.
Linebacker Dameon Brooks is a force on defense who has too be ready to fight off blockers to pound Harris and Dougie Pebbles all afternoon. Galax line fires hard off the ball and usually before the defense is ready to react. Jordan Payne (pictured) and Taishan Holmes will need to create match up problems to allow the linebackers to be able to flow to the ball carrier. Essex trip to a 4th consecutive title game will depend on the success of their defensive line.
Coach Mark Dixon will have his squad ready to bang in the line of scrimmage. It will take success on early downs and setting up short 3rd down conversions to keep Galax in this one.
While on the other side Coach John Fulks will be ready for a back and forth game if needed. If the Trojans can get up early in this one then don’t expect any 2nd half drama.
KEYS TO SALEM:
ESSEX
1. Execute early and make speed an issue for Galax.
The Maroon Tide has had a few shootouts this season and the chances of them stifling the Essex offense is very slim. Look for plent of Monroe and Martin magic early.
2. Stop Harris or at least make it tough.
Galax top back Harris is coming off a sore ankle and you can the speed of the Trojans to force Harris to make a lot of cuts. Dougie Pebbles maybe forced to deal with the hectic defense.
3. Win the line of scrimmage and shorten possessions.
Galax’s offensive line is very strong and powerful. For the second week the Trojans will face an attacking offensive line that will not sit back on their heals. Long possessions for Galax can make Essex offensive might a small factor.
Tesahn Nelson will need to take advantage mismatches in the secondary Saturday for Essex.
GALAX
1. Make it a physical game and not a track meet.
In order for this to happen Galax must tackle well and force the Trojans to run between the tackles and not outside of them. If Essex hits the edge you can count on Martin going for six.
2. Disrupt the backfield and force mistakes.
Tesahn Nelson can literally torch the Tide if he can remain comfortable throughout the game. If Nelson isn’t feeling the heat the Essex will make a big splash in the endzone over and over again.
3. No turnovers.
Giving Essex more possessions than earned will be a quick way to experience a big loss. If Galax wants the line to play a big factor in this one then they must not give away unearned possessions.
PREDICTION
The Galax line will need their lineman to grind and make plays on the linebackers of the Trojans in order for the backs to have success. Look for Essex to flood the holes and force Galax to put the ball in the air 15+ times on the day. If the Trojans can accomplish that then look for Terrell Hundley and Isaiah Taylor to come up big.
SCORE: ESSEX 42 GALAX 21
Saturday 2pm
King George HS Football Field
King George, VA
