Football preview
Published 9:58 am Thursday, October 12, 2017
BUCKINGHAM (1-5) at CUMBERLAND (0-6)
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
Coaches’ game notes: The Dukes and the Knights renew the rivalry called The Battle of Route 60 during homecoming for Cumberland. This is the first time the teams have met since 2014 when Buckingham, under the direction of Head Coach Craig Gill, won 58-14 on its way to an 8-4 season that included two playoff games.
Knights Head Coach Josh Wallace gets his first look at the Dukes this week and must help Buckingham to simply play its game — that is the biggest key.
It will be important for the Knights to be fundamentally sound on defense. The Dukes have some good receivers that Buckingham has to be able to stop.
Starting center Garrett Hafley will still be out for the Knights as he goes through the concussion protocol.
The Dukes are assuming they will see a lot of power running from Buckingham, both because that is what the Knights like to do and because Cumberland has proven to not stop it very well. It will need to upend that expectation.
The Knights’ power run game involves an additional man in the backfield who acts like another guard in the offense, leading plays. Good Buckingham ball carriers to note include sophomore Walter Edwards and junior Tyrese Ayres.
About as healthy as can be, the Dukes will aim to bring a balanced approach on offense.
C. LUNENBURG (3-4) AT PRINCE EDWARD (4-2)
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
Last season: Chargers 49, Eagles 21
Coach’s game notes: The Eagles have had a tough challenge this week preparing for the Chargers’ unorthodox offense. It is a difficult scheme to prepare for in one week, but the important emphasis for the Eagles, defensively, will be to be assignment sound, making sure the different avenues of attack are covered. Because the Chargers are so well-versed in their run-heavy attack, there is no one person to key on. Additionally, they have momentum, currently on a three-game win streak.
The Eagles will be without star tailback and inside linebacker J’Sean Dupuy due to a dislocated elbow.
Fuqua (3-2) AT RiCHMOND CHRISTIAN (0-4)
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
Coach’s game notes: The Falcons are experiencing a little bit of déjà vu this week during their preparations because Richmond Christian runs a Wing-T offense similar to Roanoke Catholic School, though it frequently will get out of its main formation.
Despite being a playoff team for most of its history, Richmond Christian is experiencing a down year, and the Falcons look to come away with a big win while avoiding what could be a trap game after facing the No. 1 team in the state.
In its run-heavy attack, Richmond Christian features several little, quick runners.