Football preview
Published 10:33 am Thursday, October 19, 2017
BLUESTONE (2-6) at BUCKINGHAM (2-5)
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
Last season: Barons 33, Knights 0
Coach’s game notes: The Knights have entered this week of preparation for Bluestone with energy after their school-record setting win last week. However, they need to maintain focus as distractions will abound during their homecoming festivities this week.
The Barons are fairly balanced on offense but like to pass about 60 percent of the time. Senior tight end/linebacker Cameron Tucker will be someone the Knights need to block along with a couple of tall, skilled receivers.
Freshman Garrett Hafley is back from injury, giving the Knights a valuable increase in depth on their offensive line.
PRINCE EDWARD (4-3) AT NOTTOWAY (4-3)
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
Last season: Cougars 40, Eagles 29
Coach’s game notes: The Eagles face a team this week on a similar trajectory to Central Lunenburg High School, which started 0-4 and improved to 4-4 with its 87-46 rout of the Eagles on Oct. 13. The Cougars started 0-3 and are now 4-3.
The Cougars are a run-heavy team, and they move the ball quite well, with senior running back Jordan Coles and junior running back Devonte Booth leading the way. The team also has an athletic quarterback who controls the offense.
Responding well in practice this week, the Eagles are seeking to be more assignment sound on defense.
CUMBERLAND (0-7) AT CHATHAM (2-5)
Kickoff: 7 p.m.
Coach’s game notes: The Dukes took some time to talk about their 84-21 homecoming loss to Buckingham County High School. They have practiced solidly, hungry to find a way to get their first win.
The offensively-balanced Cavaliers have struggled this year after a 2-0 start, suffering from the loss due to injury of senior running back Preston Turner, who fueled a 79-54 season-opening win with 18 carries for 448 yards and eight touchdowns, plus a receiving touchdown.
But Turner is back now, and it will be important for the Dukes to contain him as well as senior quarterback Parker Martin.