Heritage Pride vs Freedom Eagles Preview
Heritage Pride vs. Freedom Eagles
Kickoff: 7:30pm
Media: Streamed Live Online Here At GamedayMagazine.com
TCC Sports Game of the Week
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Where:
Eagles Stadium
25450 Riding Center Drive
South Riding, VA 20152
703-957-4300
The Dulles District kicks off on Friday, August 25th with a match up between last season's champion and the new kid on the block. In the midst of a new season for the 2005 Co-District Champion Heritage Pride, the Freedom Eagles begin their first varsity schedule in school history. Last season the Eagles competed solely against JV competition and have prepared themselves for a difficult schedule in 2006. Although going 9-1 last season, they face their first test on Friday against the reigning Co-Dulles District Champion, the Heritage Pride. Last season the Pride finished with a 7-3 record. The Pride will come into the match-up hunting an easy win, so the question will be, will the pride roll over the eagles or will Freedom shock the champs with an early season win?
Heritage Impact Players
On the Heritage side of the ball, watch for senior Bobby Edmonds to be a key playmaker. He brings speed and great hands to the field and could be just what the Pride need to put them over the top in this game, and for the rest of the season. Also keep an eye on returning Tight End and Linebacker Zak Burkhard, who is the team's emotional leader on defense.
Freedom Impact Players
The Eagles feature talented running backs Ron Hill and Emanuel Duah in the backfield. Over the next two years, Hill should emerge as one of the very best in the Region. His speed and footwork make him a key player in the team's chances for success in 2006.
Key Matchups
As mentioned, keep an eye on Eagles Running Back Ron Hill. He will attempt to out run a talented group of Pride linebackers. All-District Middle Linebacker Zak Burkhard will have his work cut out for him in this game, however, if he does his job, his play could be the key in helping the Pride to Victory.
Pride Wide Receiver Bobby Edmonds will likely be the main target for both Heritage quarterbacks. Edmonds will likely be the receiver that Freedom's best cover cornerback Carl Silverlock will be covering. If Silverlock can hold Edmonds in check, the Eagles could have a shot of making this one close.
Keys To Victory
Freedom Eagles
A. Minimize turnovers
B. Play sound football
C. Don't focus on Heritage in 2005, focus on Heritage in 2006
Heritage Pride
A. Eliminate the running game
B. Don't overlook the Eagles inexperience
C. Tight Ends live up to full potential
Key Injuries
None As Of Thursday August 24th ,2006
Our Prediction
With Heritage being the favorite, we think this will turn into a better game than expected. Due to the fact that Heritage is unfamiliar with Freedom's style of play, we think that the Eagles will shock the Pride early, but eventually the Pride offense will prove too strong for Freedom, and they will walk away with the win, and a great start in the Dulles District.
Other Notes
The winner of this game will gain confidence and fly high into week 2, but the loser must rebound quickly as both teams have difficult non-district games ahead.
Heritage will attempt to play two quarterbacks throughout the game against Freedom. Junior Kyle Nelson and Senior Joe Laura have competed all training camp, but neither has separated himself from the other. Look for this key fact to make this game close and watch for one of these players to emerge after this game as the new leader of the offense.
