The Shadow
WHO: Greenbrier East (1-2) at Alleghany (VA) (3-0)
WHERE: Casey Field at Boodie Albert Stadium in Covington
WHEN: Friday, Sept. 20 at 7:00 PM
LAST WEEK: Gbr East (lost to Bluefield 42-40) Alleghany (defeated Rockbridge Co. 63-14)
COVERAGE: Greenbrier Valley Channel Live Stream on Facebook, YouTube, Roku, or Optimum Channel 5—Radio: 103.1 WRON
A stiff challenge awaits the Greenbrier East Spartans this Friday evening when they make a quick, 30-minute trip across the border to take on the Alleghany Cougars.
Last Thursday evening, the Spartans let a victory slip through their fingertips and instead suffered an absolute deflating loss on the road at Bluefield. Leading 40-21 with around nine minutes to go, the Spartans gave up three consecutive scores—the final one coming with just four seconds remaining– and lost 42-40. Can the Spartans reset their psyche after such a heartbreaker? That question and more will be answered quickly this weekend.
ABOUT THE COUGARS:
Alleghany plays in the Three Rivers District in Virginia and so far through three games this season, have rolled to three relatively easy victories. They are averaging 52.3 points per game and allowing just 13.3 to their opponents. They are coached by Will Fields who has enjoyed major success since taking over as the head man. Last season—Alleghany’s first under the name Cougars after they consolidated with Covington—they went 9-1 in the regular season and advanced to the state playoffs. They also beat the Spartans 49-10 a year ago in Fairlea and received the A.B.K. trophy so there is already some familiarity between the two neighboring schools.
–Players to Watch—
Alleghany: QB-Des Jordan, WR-Xzavier Hayslett, TE/LB-Sarge Persinger, Util- Hunter Knighton, RB-Carter Nicely, LB- Gavin Via
Greenbrier East: QB-Brody Hamric, Util-Nate Suttle, WR- Donavin Penn, WR- Kaden Stone, RB- Brady May, LB- Keshawn Bland, TE- Grant Burdette
If the Spartans want to compete and have a chance to win this game, game-planning the defense around containing Jordan might be a good place to start. The left-handed, dual threat quarterback is off to a huge start this year and has completed 31-of-41 passes for 527 yards and nine touchdowns. He has also six rushing touchdowns for a total of 15 in just three games. He ran for 89 yards, including a 71-yard TD, against the Spartans last season. Hayslett is a big-time player on both sides of the ball. He is arguably Jordan’s favorite target on offense, and on defense he is a ball hawk that can disrupt passing offenses. Persinger is a good receiving threat and defender, and Nicely is a tough runner between the tackles that has found the end zone this year also.
Spartan Stat Leaders (3 games):
Team: Rushing– 98.7, Passing: 188.3, Total 287 yards per game
Passing: Brody Hamric- 30-56, 511 yds, 8 TD, 2 INT
Rushing: Brady May- 64 carries, 236 yds, TD
Receiving: Nate Suttle- 11 receptions, 195 yds, 3 TD
Top 3 Keys to the Game:
East’s team defense vs. Des Jordan
Spartan running game with Brady May vs. Cougar Linebackers
Hamric needs to repeat his Bluefield performance (336 yds, 5 TD)
Summary:
After the Spartans 42-40 loss to Bluefield where they relinquished a 19-point lead in the fourth quarter, the attitude around the community has felt a little off. But what has not really been mentioned is the position the Spartans were in and how they got there. Hamric threw for 336 yards and five scores. Stone, Suttle, and Grant Burdette were big in the receiving game. Jysheim Green had a critical interception in the second half. Gage Blevins broke through the line and had what appeared to be a potential drive-killing sack late in the game. So, plays were made, and East looked good for 90 percent of the contest. Finishing is the motto this week and most likely each week moving forward.
Alleghany has a lot of depth at multiple positions. They are running four or five running backs each game and all have had success. In that regard, they are similar to Woodrow Wilson. They are also very opportunistic on defense and the potential for a big play is always lurking in the air. There should be a lot of entertainment in Covington this Friday night.
**Something to Watch**- Spartan running back Brady May will have an extra bounce to his step in this one. May transferred to the Spartans from Alleghany this year.
