Scouting the Blackhawks
The West Wilkes Blackhawks are members of the new split Mountain Valley Athletic 1A/2A Conference, and are coached by Scott Hallock. The second year coach took over for former head coach Tim Pruitt, who left Miller’s Creek to take the reins of the Watauga football program.
West had a hard time finding wins during the 2008 season, finishing with a record of 3-9 overall regular season record and losing in the first round of the 2008 football playoffs West Wilkes High School of Millers Creek struggled to find wins during the 2008 football season. The Blackhawks won only three games last year (one by forfeit) and were tromped in the first round the 1AA NCHSAA state playoffs 57-7 by
On the field, West employs a Spread offense, and utilizes a 3-5 defense. Leading the team is the coach’s son, senior quarterback Logan Hallock (5’11”, 175 lbs.). "He's a passer that's a very good runner, not a good runner who's a passer," head coach Scott Hallock said during the preseason.
"For us to be successful, we have to play well up front and in the running game. We need our young receivers to step up." Hallock was also an All-Conference defensive player last season.
A favorite receiver for the younger Hallock in the team’s season-opener was Dalton Moore, but receiving teammates Andrew Adams and Scott Gamble are capable of making big catches for the club.
Up front, the Blackhawks rely on linemen Jacob Shepherd (5-9, 200 lbs.), Tommy Pruitt (6-0, 220 lbs.), Ethan Church (6-1, 215 lbs.) and Bryan Owens (6-0, 240 lbs.). With Hallock leading the team in rushing in the team’s season opener, finding additional help in the running game is a cause of concern for the club throughout the 2009 season.
"The linemen have to do real well for us to have a chance," Hallock said. "We've got to develop a running game. If we do that, we'll have a chance to compete; if we don't, it'll be a long year."
The Low Down
When Avery’s defense lines up against West Wilkes Friday night, the Vikings may wonder if they are looking into a mirror, as the Blackhawk Spread offense is akin to that of the Vikings. However, the West offense includes quarterback rollouts which allow Logan Hallock to find open space and utilize his above average running ability as he looks downfield to throw.
In last week’s loss to Robbinsville, it took the Vikings an entire half to remedy issues with its tackling and run defense. Hopefully those kinks have been ironed out, as Avery showed the ability to stop the run during the final quarter of last week’s loss.
West Lincoln
Avery’s youthful team gained valued experience in last Friday’s opener, but the Big Red must put that experience to use this week. Two keys will determine who leaves Miller’s Creek with a “W” this weekend: Can the Vikings defense make tackles, as well as contain West quarterback Logan Hallock and limit his big-play ability (2 TD passes and a rushing TD in last week’s game), and can the Avery running game get on track (17 yards on 14 carries in last Friday’s loss).
By the Numbers:
2- West Lincoln players who rushed for over 100 yards in last week’s 24-20 win over West Wilkes.
9- returning starters for West Wilkes from last season’s 3-9 team.
14- passes completed by Avery sophomore QB Alex Villanueva for 239 yards and a touchdown in last week’s game at Robbinsville.
36- yard total of the touchdown run from West QB Logan Hallock in last week’s loss to
239- rushing yards gained by Robbinsville in last week’s win over Avery.
Read next week’s Avery Journal-Times for a full recap of this week’s game with West Wilkes, as well as a preview of next week’s “
