The Colonels defense will need to bring their best Saturday afternoon defensively.
Altavista (10-3) at Essex (13-0)
Saturday 2PM Kick-off
Site: Essex High School
Last season the Essex Trojans were supposedly featured their best team in years and loaded in numerous positions. They featured a player who is now a force in the ACC and it was expected to be the best chance for a state championship for a while. Prepare for a rebuilding year in 2023. Boy were many people wrong about that.
There is no rebuilding year at powerhouses like the Trojans who reloaded successfully. The run defense is stronger, they make fewer turnovers than last season, and they can run the ball with several different players. The result has led them to another 13-0 semi-final appearance but this time Essex is hosting at their place which has been newly renovated and could be the perfect sighting to send off this great team which has been to the title game since losing 22-20 to Altavista back in 2014.
Essex got to this game by strolling over Colonial Beach, Lancaster, and defeating their rival Northumberland in a spirited game. The 46-0 blanking of the Drifters in round 1 showcased the strong defense. They put an end to Lancasters best season in years 36-0. Despite giving up 26 points to Northumberland, the offense exploded for 54 points.
From a 1-9 season, Altavista has made a huge turnaround and has their entire community believing. The Colonels are much more aggressive and execute well which has made the difference this season. By air or by ground, Altavista has had their moments this season excelling at both.
Altavista won on a hailmary versus the Brunswick Bulldogs 30-26 in the regional semi. Then they went into Sussex for the championship and ran over the Tigers in a 22-16 victory. The Colonels scored the most in their playoff history in the first round crushing Surry 64-16. The passing game of the Colonels was non-existing versus Sussex.
Avari Walker will need to take advantage of any missed tackles and seek the endzone for the Trojans.
Trojan Impact players:
Sophomore quarterback Xzayviia Bundy has been a force in the rushing attack for the Trojans. Bundy at 5 foot 10, 230 pounds is surprisingly fast for his size and brings a different dynamic to their rushing game.
Senior Avari Walker has the moves and speed to take it to the end zone at any time. Walker is excellent at making defenders miss which could play big dividends Saturday versus a scrappy Altavista defense.
Junior Izaya Terpening has superb vision to find the hole and can definitely make defenders pay for not accounting for him. Terpening looks to play a big role aside Walker in gashing defenses the rest of the way.
Senior Bryan Roane Jr. is strong versus the run and agile in defending the pass. Roane will be tested to use his skills to the utmost and the Colonels will need to try to keep Essex defense off balance.
Senior Damari Young will need to be relentless getting in the backfield and causing chaos. Forcing turnovers will be critical in this contest as the Colonels do a good job at taking care of the football similiar to the Trojans.
Colonel Impact players:
Junior LaDanian Stone is a powerful runner that is also quite athletic for his size having rushed for 1,564 yards and 25 touchdowns. Stone is also a force defensively who will always be around the football and making the tackle.
Senior Ross Farmer made a big transformation when he got more speed and left his duties as center. Farmer has put up 778 yards and 13 touchdowns this season but had 208 yards versus Sussex last Friday.
Senior Jordan Pippin is a dual threat qb who has shown through the course of the season the ability to go deep and get valuable yards on the run. Pippin has rushed for 951 yards and thrown for 579 yards.
Junior Carlos Bradner will be key to the rushing attack. Will the offensive line be quick and impactful as they were in Sussex last Friday.
Farmer rushed for 208 yards versus Sussex Central while LaDanian Stone added 104.
KEYS to VICTORY:
TROJAN KEYS
- Essex must take on the pulling lineman and fill the gaps. Altavista dominated their last opponent at the line of scrimmaging causing holes big enough to drive trucks through. Coach Todd Jones group must be willing to do the dirty work and not let the lineman square up and run up and down the field.
- Time. Essex cannot allow the Colonels' Pippen to have time to ponder downfield. Altavista is at their best when they can pass and run equally. If any passes are thrown astray then you can count on the Trojans taking a few back.
- Getting to the outside. Its a clear weakness of the Altavista defense as they have given up plenty of yards outside the tackles and particularly down the sidelines. The key is getting there. If the interior lineman stand their ground then Walker and Terpening will shine.
COLONELS KEYS
- Altavista must protect Pippen enough to find holes in the defense. If there is one area the Trojans have struggled with is pass defense. The Colonels must take advantage of any great protection by striking if they expect to hang with the Trojans.
- Hit the hole. Essex defense flies to the ball and leaves little run for cut backs. The big backs Stone and Farmer must be ready to grind it out as there won't be any time to 2nd guess where to go.
- Tackle better. The Colonels missed several tackles outside the tackles which led to big gains. Missing tackles will equal points Saturday as the Trojans have the runners to go the distance in any situation of the game.
BOTTOMLINE:
If Essex can take on the pulling lineman then it will stifle the rushing attack of the Colonels and prevent them from having long possessions. Its the most important goal from the Trojans as if they can do that then Pippen won't have time to unless the deep ball.
If Essex fails to win the line of scrimmage then there will be a domino effect. Allowing Altavista to gain 4-6 yards rushing a pop will make their play action lethal. The Colonels gave up over 260 yards passing versus Brunswick and even though that make be appealing, Essex will get it done by having success on the ground.
PREDICTION: Essex 24 Altavista 14
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