ROANOKE, Va. – When it comes to schools in the bigger classes like five and six we can surely refer to it as “Big Boy Ball.” It’s physical and everyone is hungry for a win, especially when it could be the difference between making or missing the postseason.
“It’s one of those buckle your chin straps up the type of weeks so we know what to expect from those guys,” said William Fleming coach Jamar Lovelace.
“We have to take what’s at hand and keep our focus and try to do what we do,” said Franklin County head coach J.R. Edwards.
And all the Eagles have done is compile a 4-1 record thanks to disciplined play from the skill positions, with Jayron Smith toting the load in the backfield and sophomore quarterback Eli Foutz, finding his touch through the air.
“I think Eli has come a long way since his freshman year,” said Eagles wide receiver Josh Luckett.
“Some people didn’t know if he would be able to take the challenge, but I think he’s come a long way and has been doing pretty good at his spot.”
“People forget he’s a young quarterback so we’ve had a little bit of success early on, and then we’ve had stumbling blocks,” Edwards said.
The Colonels have had their miscues this season as well, but they’ve found their groove as of late—priding themselves on being unpredictable on offense.
“We feel good about the balance on offense so far. We’ve been able to spread the field. We’ve been able to run it and throw it just as many times,” Lovelace said.
“All the receivers can catch the ball and catch in traffic and make moves and we have a great running back core with Deuce Anderson and Nashon Bonds,” said Colonels quarterback Dashawn Lewis.
A win for either team can boost their playoff seeding, but a loss could possibly shatter any postseason dreams.
“We decided there’s one of two ways to go here: We either get better or make excuses,” Edwards said.
“We’re just going to try and get this win on Friday so that we know we’re safely in. We just want another week together,” said Lovelace.