Scouting the Teams:
Many faces have changed for both clubs entering this contest. Gone are both teams’ starting quarterbacks from a year ago, Preston Jennings of Avery and Jordan Hughes of Cloudland. For the Vikings, senior Adam Pate will call signals behind center for a team that finished 5-7 a season ago. Pate will not be new to the task, as he split time with Jennings for a formidable 1-2 punch in 2007.
Avery looks for continued success from the spread offense that has helped them to playoff appearances in each of the past five seasons, while the defense will use multiple formations out of its basic 50 front.
The Vikings return seven starters to its spread attack offense, but only four players hold over from last season’s defensive squad. The team is inexperienced at the linebacker position, but hopes that a strong and experienced front line can help the secondary mature quickly.
For the Landers, Randall Johnson and Seth Miller have been sharing snaps behind center in practice in a heated competition for the starting quarterback position. Johnson, who played wide receiver last season, is expected to be the starter for the ‘Landers.
Cloudland lost only four seniors from last year’s club and must rely on its experienced nucleus to keep last season’s momentum rolling. Besides Johnson, the ‘Lander coaching staff expects big things from running back Matthew Tipton. Lucas Clawson, Seth Houtsma, Nick Sluder, and Logan Morgan are all expected to contribute for the ‘Landers.
The ‘Landers feel they return eight starters to their spread system, which was implemented last season, and also eight starters to the defensive side of the ball. That kind of experience is what the Highlanders will need to be successful against the Vikings.
The Low Down:
A key to this year’s contest might be depth. Both teams will have a number of players who will take snaps on both sides of the football, and stamina in this opening game may come into play. It will be worth watching to see if the Avery squad has improved on its tackling from its recent scrimmage and practices, a flaw Coach Brewer and his staff has emphasized on shaping up leading to Friday’s showdown.
For Cloudland, they must do a better job of taking care of the football than they did in last year’s game. Two mistakes in execution, a muffed punt and early fumble, dug a hole too deep for the ‘Landers to climb out of a year ago.
As with most opening games, new players must step up and make plays for their respective clubs to escape with a win. Tensions, not to mention attendance, should be high for this emotion-filled encounter.
By the Numbers:
21 – number of unanswered first half points scored by Avery before a second quarter touchdown by Cloudland.
56 – yards gained by the Avery rushing attack in the pivotal scoring drive late in the third quarter of last year’s contest.
96 – yards of total offense allowed by the Avery defense in last year’s 35-14 win.
103 – yards rushing by former Avery RB Tommy Shea in last year’s victory.
63 – penalty yards accumulated against Cloudland in last year’s game.
162 – penalty yards Avery racked up last season against the ‘Landers.
Read next week’s edition of the Journal-Times and check the site for a full recap of this week’s game, as well as a preview of next week's games!
