Lynn Burke
08-31-2007, 11:23 AM
Saturday previews
Granby (2-8 in 2006) at Bethel (4-6)
WHEN: 2 p.m., Saturday
WHERE: Darling Stadium.
The offense: The Comets averaged 11.3 points a game last season, mainly because they couldn’t establish a passing threat. QB Joe Merrill only goes about 160 pounds, and he’ll take a licking against this defense. Coach Jeff Nelson says both Teddy BaCote and Aris McGlone-English will play at QB today. Either way, he knows the passing game needs to improve.
The defense: Granby doesn’t have a lot of size, but somehow it held Maury to 15 points last year. LB Telvion Clark is the leader of the defense. Aside from Hampton and Phoebus, Bethel was the district’s best defensive team last year. LBs Tyler and Trent Blowe are the anchors, and Marcus Cooperwood is tough in the secondary.
The storyline: The Jeff Nelson Era begins at Bethel, which returns some good talent from last year’s underachieving team. The offense has to be more productive, and for that to happen the passing game must come to life. Bethel was the district’s only team last year to not pass for a touchdown. The Comets began the 21st century on solid footing, but they’re 6-14 over the past two seasons. Bethel won last year’s game 12-6 — expect another score along those lines.
The pick: Bethel.
Kecoughtan (4-6) at Warwick (5-5)
WHEN: 2 p.m., Saturday
WHERE: Todd Stadium.
The offense: The Warriors averaged 12 ppg in their final six games, which put too much pressure on the defense. Taking over at QB is sophomore Anthony Dorsey, but the focal point will be TB Isaiah Sheppard. Warwick lost its top rusher, but the front line is huge (four starters go at least 260 pounds) and sophomore QB Lamonte Williams is a year older.
The defense: Kecoughtan gave up 217 ypg against the run — only Gloucester and Menchville did worse. But with the return of LB Derek Mayo and Sheppard at CB, the Warriors figure to be better. As on offense, Warwick is huge up front. The Raiders had some breakdowns last season, but some key players are back.
The storyline: Most observers peg Warwick as the legitimate pick for third place, but Kecoughtan believes it belongs in the conversation as well. If so, today is a big opportunity. Both teams have pretty good size up front, so — pardon the cliché — this one could be decided in the trenches. If it comes down to a field goal, Warwick has the league’s best kicker in Matt Bevins. His punting could also be a factor in field position.
The pick: Warwick.
Poquoson (0-0) at Jamestown (0-0)
WHEN: 7:30 p.m., Saturday.
WHERE: James City County Stadium.
The offense: The Eagles are planning to implement more rushing into their offense so they can be less predictable. Poquoson will try and get the ball in the hands of their running backs Troy Fiedler and Dell Bryce.
The defense: Jamestown was one of the worst defensive teams in the district last season, but will allow players to play both ways this year and that should help. The Islanders weren’t much better, but their strong linebackers will make them better.
The storylines: The Islanders were winless last season, but came the closest against Jamestown (39-36). The Eagles don’t want to be the team that helps an 0-10 get back on track.
The pick: Jamestown.
New Kent (0-0) at York (0-0)
WHEN: 1:30 p.m., Saturday.
WHERE: Bailey Field.
The offense: York is switching things up this year and running the option, which suits quarterback Aaron Edwards and running back Evan Yeo just fine. The Trojans will bank on their running game behind Gabe Smith.
The defense: The Trojans had problems with the option in their scrimmage against Sussex, but caught on late and won. The Falcons have strong linebackers like Charlie Roberson, which should help them contain the run.
The storylines: York needs to have a good showing in this game to build confidence in its new system. New Kent will have to
The pick: York
Granby (2-8 in 2006) at Bethel (4-6)
WHEN: 2 p.m., Saturday
WHERE: Darling Stadium.
The offense: The Comets averaged 11.3 points a game last season, mainly because they couldn’t establish a passing threat. QB Joe Merrill only goes about 160 pounds, and he’ll take a licking against this defense. Coach Jeff Nelson says both Teddy BaCote and Aris McGlone-English will play at QB today. Either way, he knows the passing game needs to improve.
The defense: Granby doesn’t have a lot of size, but somehow it held Maury to 15 points last year. LB Telvion Clark is the leader of the defense. Aside from Hampton and Phoebus, Bethel was the district’s best defensive team last year. LBs Tyler and Trent Blowe are the anchors, and Marcus Cooperwood is tough in the secondary.
The storyline: The Jeff Nelson Era begins at Bethel, which returns some good talent from last year’s underachieving team. The offense has to be more productive, and for that to happen the passing game must come to life. Bethel was the district’s only team last year to not pass for a touchdown. The Comets began the 21st century on solid footing, but they’re 6-14 over the past two seasons. Bethel won last year’s game 12-6 — expect another score along those lines.
The pick: Bethel.
Kecoughtan (4-6) at Warwick (5-5)
WHEN: 2 p.m., Saturday
WHERE: Todd Stadium.
The offense: The Warriors averaged 12 ppg in their final six games, which put too much pressure on the defense. Taking over at QB is sophomore Anthony Dorsey, but the focal point will be TB Isaiah Sheppard. Warwick lost its top rusher, but the front line is huge (four starters go at least 260 pounds) and sophomore QB Lamonte Williams is a year older.
The defense: Kecoughtan gave up 217 ypg against the run — only Gloucester and Menchville did worse. But with the return of LB Derek Mayo and Sheppard at CB, the Warriors figure to be better. As on offense, Warwick is huge up front. The Raiders had some breakdowns last season, but some key players are back.
The storyline: Most observers peg Warwick as the legitimate pick for third place, but Kecoughtan believes it belongs in the conversation as well. If so, today is a big opportunity. Both teams have pretty good size up front, so — pardon the cliché — this one could be decided in the trenches. If it comes down to a field goal, Warwick has the league’s best kicker in Matt Bevins. His punting could also be a factor in field position.
The pick: Warwick.
Poquoson (0-0) at Jamestown (0-0)
WHEN: 7:30 p.m., Saturday.
WHERE: James City County Stadium.
The offense: The Eagles are planning to implement more rushing into their offense so they can be less predictable. Poquoson will try and get the ball in the hands of their running backs Troy Fiedler and Dell Bryce.
The defense: Jamestown was one of the worst defensive teams in the district last season, but will allow players to play both ways this year and that should help. The Islanders weren’t much better, but their strong linebackers will make them better.
The storylines: The Islanders were winless last season, but came the closest against Jamestown (39-36). The Eagles don’t want to be the team that helps an 0-10 get back on track.
The pick: Jamestown.
New Kent (0-0) at York (0-0)
WHEN: 1:30 p.m., Saturday.
WHERE: Bailey Field.
The offense: York is switching things up this year and running the option, which suits quarterback Aaron Edwards and running back Evan Yeo just fine. The Trojans will bank on their running game behind Gabe Smith.
The defense: The Trojans had problems with the option in their scrimmage against Sussex, but caught on late and won. The Falcons have strong linebackers like Charlie Roberson, which should help them contain the run.
The storylines: York needs to have a good showing in this game to build confidence in its new system. New Kent will have to
The pick: York