Eagles and Warriors Set For Primetime Battle
Liberty Eagles at Sherando Warriors
Friday 7:00pm
Arrowhead Stadium
Broadcast Media:
TCC Sports Game of the Week
Streamed Live Online at www.GamedayMagazine.com
Pregame starts at 7pm
Commentary: Charlie Goode and Miller Bennington
Matchup
Friday night's football game between Liberty (5-0) and Sherando (5-0) will decide who is in control of the powerful Northwestern District. Both teams enter the game with undefeated records and plenty of talented football players. Sherando has proven their ability to dominate all aspects of a football game. Versus Jefferson in week 1, Sherando displayed their passing attack by throwing three touchdown passes. Last week against a very good Handley team the warriors proved they could play smash mouth football by gaining 300 plus yards rushing and finding the end-zone four times.
The Liberty Eagles enter the game as one of the fastest and most athletic teams in the area. Players like running back Myles Reid and slot back Cory Lillard are game breakers, and the Eagles defense is stout. Last week, Liberty shut down a solid James Wood team 24-0. Friday's game will mark the third consecutive week that the Eagles have faced an undefeated team.
This showdown features two great programs and two great coaching staffs. Look for coaching to play a big part in this one, and with the driver's seat in the Northwestern District Title race at stake, you will be able to feel the intensity in the air on Friday night.
Nuggets of the Game
Presented by Chick-Fil-A
Sherando
>. Keep moving the Chains and win the time of possession.
>. Force Liberty to Throw To Win.
>. Continue to play TEAM football.
Liberty
> Sustain Drives and Keep Metheny and Crew Off The Field
> Get Myles Reid and Cory Lillard at least 25 touches
> Win the Battle In the Trenches On Both Sides of the Ball
Players To Watch
Sherando WR/DB Derek Crosen is a player who leads by example for the Warriors. Crosen has consistently proven he can make the big catch for Sherando. He leads the team in receptions, yards and TD catches. On defense Crosen is a shut down corner who can bring the hammer when a player enters his zone.
Liberty Defensive End DeVaughn Parsons is a force for the Eagles defense. Parsons leads the team with 5 sacks and controls the line of scrimmage from his end position. Parsons uses his strength and speed to overpower opposing lineman.
Outlook
Both Liberty and Sherando are very good football teams who typically can overpower their opponents with depth and skill. That will not be the case Friday at Arrowhead Stadium. Liberty will play aggressive football and hope that their speed can prove to be an advantage. Sherando will look to establish their running game and then allow their talented quarterback (Ross Metheny) to take over the game.
Extra Points
The loser of this game could be left watching the state playoffs. As of today, it appears that Division 4 teams could win the four Group AA districts. If that happens, then the loser of this game could end up 9-1 and possibly miss the playoffs. The winner of this game, should they run the table and win the Northwestern District, will advance to the post-season.
Quotable:
"I haven't seen anyone yet who's been able to rattle Ross Metheny. He is as talented of a quarterback as I've seen in the state of Virginia." - Liberty Head Coach Tommy Buzzo
Our Prediction:
Mark this down; these two teams are big, fast, and tough. Picking a winner is coin toss, but Gameday senior Editors Andy Hayes and Kip Shallis think they know how this one will turn out.
Kip Shallis' Prediction
Sherando 21
Liberty 13
Andy Hayes' Prediction
Liberty - 28
Sherando - 24
Friday's Weather Forecast:
Highs in the upper 50s and lows in the mid 30s.
Related Media: Click Here To Listen To The Eagles Nest with Tommy Buzzo
