Salem @ Martinsburg

[RKE Fan]

I know this match up has lost some of its luster after Salem got shellacked back in 2019, 2020 was postponed, and last year Martinsburg ran away with the game in the second half on their way to a 35-21 win. However, after watching last season's game again on Youtube, Salem really played them pretty even for about 2 1/2 or 3 quarters. Had they not blown the chance to score at the goal line and tie the game right before the half, it may have been a nail-biter. I still feel like Martinsburg would have won, but that was a huge turning point as far as morale and momentum went. I really don't know what to think this year.
Martinsburg is Martinsburg. Much like Salem, they just reload. They had A LOT of younger guys getting substantial minutes last year and return quite a few starters. However, they lost their stud wideout that I think went D1 somewhere. He was a nightmare for Salem's secondary and seemed to have a telepathic connection with the QB. If I'm not mistaken, that QB and the other mobile QB are both back, so that's a problem if they more guys like that wideout are now in the ranks (which I'm sure they are). Their O line gave him plenty of time to sling it, even though he didn't didn't need it as he was quick his decisions. Defensively, they made adjustments at half time and stymied Salem's running attack, which had some success in the first half. Then, it was just a matter of doubling down on Chauncey Logan, since he was really the only receiver for Salem who could stretch the defense. Martinsburg will probably have a similar game plan. Why would you change much with what they have been able to accomplish both overall and against Salem?
As far as Salem goes, its just hard to know how good they are after watching them in the benefit game against Magna Vista. On the positive side, they seem much more talented at the wideout positions. Cole, Vernon, and Moyer are all capable of big plays. They also showed they can split out Martin from the backfield or throw to big Jaelyn Allen from his TE spot. Wilson is now a 3 year starter with a championship ring, so he brings leadership and experience. He has always had a little mobility, but looks quicker and faster and is more of a threat to take off if things break down. Salem also looks a little better in the backfield with Jones moving to FB and shifty "Mr. do-it-all" Martin at TB. The biggest questions for me are 1) How will Salem's O-line fare against Martinsburg's defensive front? 2) Where does Salem really stand defensively? (hard to tell against sub-par MV last week). If Salem is going to come close to pulling off a win, they have to do something to shut down those quick slants and posts that Martinsburg just ate yards with last year. Also, somehow they have to get some pressure on that QB. Last, will Lewis finally get some PT on either side of the ball after being out in the first two scrimmages? Whatever the case, I just hope the game is competitive and injury free. I'm looking forward to the Youtube broadcast. Those guys actually do a really nice job. This board is crazy dead this year. How about some thoughts from those who know the programs?

 

[-COUNTRY-CLUB-JOE-]

I think Massey has Martinsburg as a 6 point favorite. But I'm going with Salem to pull the upset. They need to dominate time of possession.

 

[zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz]

I don’t see this one being close in to the 2nd half.

Martinsburg lost a lot of skill talent to graduation, as both their 1 and 2 passing options, as WR Hudson Clement walked on to WVU and TE Jacob Barrick is enrolled at Jacksonville State, and they graduated their starting RB to, as he is now at Bowling Green. However they do return both QB’s like you said. I would expect their running QB, Murphy Clement to get more looks as a running back, as he was offered by ODU as a running back. For the WR position, Roman Pierson should fill the role Hudson Clement played in, but the ball will probably be more evenly distributed, as Jameer Hunter will look to be just as much as a threat with the ball in his hands, and after starting as a freshman (unheard of for a offensive skill player at Martinsburg), Kash Gedeon looks to unofficially start an illustrious career as the next great Martinsburg receiver. If Salem’s biggest weak spot is the offensive line, that will be bad news for the Spartans, as Martinsburg’s D-Line is filled with athletes and big bodies. DT Rashad Reid is a true run-stopper who can also rush the QB from his nose tackle spot. Aydin Fleming is a 5-tech who can make plays anywhere at the front seven, as his natural position is at defensive end, but he is just as good as kicking in to the inside and rushing the QB, and he can get looks as an OLB and patrol the boundary. EJ Hendrix is more of a two-way lineman, and he may be more of an OT than a DE, but he may be the most athletic of this trio and has sky-high potential on both sides of the ball. Martinsburg’s LB’s and DB’s will look the part for Martinsburg as well.

Because of these factors and a home-field advantage, I will take Martinsburg by three touchdowns.

 

[-COUNTRY-CLUB-JOE-]

I don’t see this one being close in to the 2nd half.

Martinsburg lost a lot of skill talent to graduation, as both their 1 and 2 passing options, as WR Hudson Clement walked on to WVU and TE Jacob Barrick is enrolled at Jacksonville State, and they graduated their starting RB to, as he is now at Bowling Green. However they do return both QB’s like you said. I would expect their running QB, Murphy Clement to get more looks as a running back, as he was offered by ODU as a running back. For the WR position, Roman Pierson should fill the role Hudson Clement played in, but the ball will probably be more evenly distributed, as Jameer Hunter will look to be just as much as a threat with the ball in his hands, and after starting as a freshman (unheard of for a offensive skill player at Martinsburg), Kash Gedeon looks to unofficially start an illustrious career as the next great Martinsburg receiver. If Salem’s biggest weak spot is the offensive line, that will be bad news for the Spartans, as Martinsburg’s D-Line is filled with athletes and big bodies. DT Rashad Reid is a true run-stopper who can also rush the QB from his nose tackle spot. Aydin Fleming is a 5-tech who can make plays anywhere at the front seven, as his natural position is at defensive end, but he is just as good as kicking in to the inside and rushing the QB, and he can get looks as an OLB and patrol the boundary. EJ Hendrix is more of a two-way lineman, and he may be more of an OT than a DE, but he may be the most athletic of this trio and has sky-high potential on both sides of the ball. Martinsburg’s LB’s and DB’s will look the part for Martinsburg as well.

Because of these factors and a home-field advantage, I will take Martinsburg by three touchdowns.

You might very well be right. I'm not as close to or familiar with Salem as I used to be and you definitely know more about Martinsburg.

 

[Shabutie]

I know this match up has lost some of its luster after Salem got shellacked back in 2019, 2020 was postponed, and last year Martinsburg ran away with the game in the second half on their way to a 35-21 win. However, after watching last season's game again on Youtube, Salem really played them pretty even for about 2 1/2 or 3 quarters. Had they not blown the chance to score at the goal line and tie the game right before the half, it may have been a nail-biter. I still feel like Martinsburg would have won, but that was a huge turning point as far as morale and momentum went. I really don't know what to think this year.
Martinsburg is Martinsburg. Much like Salem, they just reload. They had A LOT of younger guys getting substantial minutes last year and return quite a few starters. However, they lost their stud wideout that I think went D1 somewhere. He was a nightmare for Salem's secondary and seemed to have a telepathic connection with the QB. If I'm not mistaken, that QB and the other mobile QB are both back, so that's a problem if they more guys like that wideout are now in the ranks (which I'm sure they are). Their O line gave him plenty of time to sling it, even though he didn't didn't need it as he was quick his decisions. Defensively, they made adjustments at half time and stymied Salem's running attack, which had some success in the first half. Then, it was just a matter of doubling down on Chauncey Logan, since he was really the only receiver for Salem who could stretch the defense. Martinsburg will probably have a similar game plan. Why would you change much with what they have been able to accomplish both overall and against Salem?
As far as Salem goes, its just hard to know how good they are after watching them in the benefit game against Magna Vista. On the positive side, they seem much more talented at the wideout positions. Cole, Vernon, and Moyer are all capable of big plays. They also showed they can split out Martin from the backfield or throw to big Jaelyn Allen from his TE spot. Wilson is now a 3 year starter with a championship ring, so he brings leadership and experience. He has always had a little mobility, but looks quicker and faster and is more of a threat to take off if things break down. Salem also looks a little better in the backfield with Jones moving to FB and shifty "Mr. do-it-all" Martin at TB. The biggest questions for me are 1) How will Salem's O-line fare against Martinsburg's defensive front? 2) Where does Salem really stand defensively? (hard to tell against sub-par MV last week). If Salem is going to come close to pulling off a win, they have to do something to shut down those quick slants and posts that Martinsburg just ate yards with last year. Also, somehow they have to get some pressure on that QB. Last, will Lewis finally get some PT on either side of the ball after being out in the first two scrimmages? Whatever the case, I just hope the game is competitive and injury free. I'm looking forward to the Youtube broadcast. Those guys actually do a really nice job. This board is crazy dead this year. How about some thoughts from those who know the programs?

Good post.

That momentum shift going into halftime was huge. Also, Logan torched Martinsburg in the first half but was cramping and could barely play in the second half. Even when he tried he could hardly run and none of the other WRs could step up and get open against that talent. That is important because Martinsburg will definitely play press man all game outside with very little saand challenge Salem's WRs tomorrow. Salem has some VERY good receivers this year and are deep at the position but this game will be a huge challenge.

In the second half Martinsburg kept finding ways to make Salem blow coverages for huge plays. They had some VERY well-designed schemes knowing what coverages Salem will be using. They are extremely well-coaches and prepared.

I would not expect to see Peyton Lewis play tomorrow at all but should be good to go the following week. Would love to see him play in a game like this though.

 

[Shabutie]

One reason I really think this Salem team has a very high ceiling this year is Jaelyn Allen. He has a very good shot at being the 4A defensive player of the year at LB as a Junior and he is a MAJOR weapon at Tight End... both in-line and split out.

With the way Salem runs the ball, plays against stacked boxes and can play-action it's very hard to defend even average athletes at TE but Allen is a much different challenge.

 

[Shabutie]

I don’t see this one being close in to the 2nd half.

Martinsburg lost a lot of skill talent to graduation, as both their 1 and 2 passing options, as WR Hudson Clement walked on to WVU and TE Jacob Barrick is enrolled at Jacksonville State, and they graduated their starting RB to, as he is now at Bowling Green. However they do return both QB’s like you said. I would expect their running QB, Murphy Clement to get more looks as a running back, as he was offered by ODU as a running back. For the WR position, Roman Pierson should fill the role Hudson Clement played in, but the ball will probably be more evenly distributed, as Jameer Hunter will look to be just as much as a threat with the ball in his hands, and after starting as a freshman (unheard of for a offensive skill player at Martinsburg), Kash Gedeon looks to unofficially start an illustrious career as the next great Martinsburg receiver. If Salem’s biggest weak spot is the offensive line, that will be bad news for the Spartans, as Martinsburg’s D-Line is filled with athletes and big bodies. DT Rashad Reid is a true run-stopper who can also rush the QB from his nose tackle spot. Aydin Fleming is a 5-tech who can make plays anywhere at the front seven, as his natural position is at defensive end, but he is just as good as kicking in to the inside and rushing the QB, and he can get looks as an OLB and patrol the boundary. EJ Hendrix is more of a two-way lineman, and he may be more of an OT than a DE, but he may be the most athletic of this trio and has sky-high potential on both sides of the ball. Martinsburg’s LB’s and DB’s will look the part for Martinsburg as well.

Because of these factors and a home-field advantage, I will take Martinsburg by three touchdowns.

Speaking of #70 Aydin Fleming, he is the best defensive end that I saw play last year in person by a long shot. In fact, he is the best that I have seen in quite a few years...

Salem has a very athletic and talented pair of offensive tackles (#79 Andy Lutes 6'4 260 and #77 Khaleif Johnson 6'3 260) that have improved a ton since last year but Fleming will be a huge challenge for them.

 

[Scalvinscaliwag]

I think the last time Martinsburg lost a game at home was around 2015. It’s a very tough place to play . And Also for Salem fans ( there is no home and away side . Martinsburg fans fill the whole place.) in 2015, Sherando beat them that year also, wasn’t even that great of a Sherando team. So I guess Martinsburg had a off year I guess. Anyway, Salem has had a few teams over the last 15 years or so of the Modern Era that would certainly give Martinsburg all they could handle or even beat them. I don’t think this will be one of those years. They got players coming from all over Berkeley County to play in that place from all the High schools. But I have seen crazy things happen, It’s a tough 4 hour ride up I81. , Good luck to Salem, would love to see the upset.

 

[-COUNTRY-CLUB-JOE-]

I see they got Highland Springs at home this year too. That might be a tough one. Props to Martinsburg. Couple tough games against out of state competition.

 

[Shabutie]

The worst start imaginable for Salem. They get a punt blocked for a touchdown to go down 7-0 and the next drive a Salem WR trips on his own feet leading to an interception and return to the Salem 10 yard line.

 

[zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz]

Martinsburg’s defensive line is having their way with Salem’s offensive line. Getting in the backfield and the linebackers are flying around.

 

[Shabutie]

Martinsburg has to settle for a FG after a good stop by the Salem defense.

Martinsburg now has a 10-0 lead but are yet to pick up a first down.

They try an onside kick but Salem recovers.

 

[Shabutie]

Both offenses getting absolutely nothing done. Still 10-0 and trading punts.

 

[Shabutie]

This has to be the worst half of offensive football by a Salem football team in the last 20 years.

 

[Shabutie]

And now Salem completely blows a coverage defensively after playing so well all half. Martinsburg is about to take a 17-0 lead.

 

[Shabutie]

Salem manages to hold them out of the end zone.

Martinsburg brings on the FG team and makes a short one. 13-0 Martinsburg is the score now.

 

[Shabutie]

And the Salem returner drops the high squib kick on a fair catch for a turnover.

Martinsburg does these kicksoffs ever time they play and Salem still muffs them.

 

[Shabutie]

Somehow the kick didn't count... Martinsburg will rekick now.

 

[Shabutie]

Salem finally picks up a first down on offense and then drops a pass and picks up a holding penalty to kill the drive.

These running backs at some point have to actually block a blitzing LB or DE in pass pro... so many whiffs.

 

[Shabutie]

13-0 Martinsburg at halftime. Salem's offense has one first down I'm pretty sure.

 

[Shabutie]

Salem was going to go for it on 4th and inches but a WR that was not even going to be involved in the play jumps offsides and now they have to punt.

Just a crazy amount of mental mistakes and errors. Weird to see a Salem team have this much trouble focusing.

 

[Shabutie]

Martinsburg chunks Salem in the running game after a nice punt return and score again. The score is now 20-0 Martinsburg.

 

[Shabutie]

Dropping more passes offensively now.

 

[zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz]

Salem 7, Martinsburg 40. That’s game.

 

[-COUNTRY-CLUB-JOE-]

Expected a closer game. Doesn't look like Salem was able to get much going.

 

[southbottomU]

Offensive line got owned. Offensive game plan seemed unimaginative.
Defense played well, just got left out on field too long. Special teams just plain bad.
Cheap shot punch thrown at Salem player on Martinsburg sideline. Officials missed it. TV guys missed it also.

 

[springer76]

Highland Springs beat Julius Chambers tonight 26-20 in Charlotte, NC. HS showed a dominant running game and a stout defense. We go to Martinsburg in 2 weeks.

 

[MaroonDude]

What is number 50’s name from MBurg? A jv guy they brought up?

 

[Kilroy25]

Pathetic offensive game plan on Salems part. At some point they are going to have to realize they aren’t the power team of ole and get creative. Salem will be fine in the Roanoke Valley but will struggle in the playoffs if they continue down this road. #2 was dressed but didn’t see the field. Maybe he should just run track considering he stays hurt

 

[K7w5]

What is number 50’s name from MBurg? A jv guy they brought up?

Rashad Reid