Bulldogs, Spartans Set To Rumble In Opener
Patrick Thompson's health is a question mark and Bryn Renner is 100%, which could be trouble for the Bulldogs....
Photo By: Gameday Magazine
Stone Bridge defensive end and the rest of the front seven will need to get pressure on talented quarterback Bryn Renner, which could be easier said than done.
Photo By: Gameday Magazine
West Springfield's Andy Stallings will be a name you hear often tonight on the Gameday Radio Network. Stallings is one of Renner's favorite targets, and the two will look to exploit the Bulldog secondary from the start...
Photo By: Gameday Magazine
#3 West Springfield vs. # 1 Stone Bridge
When: Aug. 29th, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Stone Bridge High School
Broadcast Media:
Gameday Radio Network
Live coverage starts at 7 pm online at www.gamedaymagazine.com
Live Feed Available at 7pm On AM 1200 WAGE
Commentators:
Andy Hayes - Play By Play
Grant Paulsen - Color Commentary
Sean Griffin - Sideline Reporter
ASHBURN - You couldn't have picked a better game to start the season. The West Springfield Spartans visit Ashburn on Friday night in a highly anticipated contest with the top ranked Stone Bridge Bulldogs. Both teams are ranked high in just about every poll, and both have legit shots at contending for a state title this season.
The Bulldogs are loaded with major college football recruits, and West Springfield has one of their own in quarterback Bryn Renner (UNC commit), but the storyline won't be the stars in this game, it will be which defense can make a stop.
West Springfield's Bill Renner runs a five wide receiver set on almost every play, and Stone Bridge will lineup in that some, and then switch to Mickey Thompson's Single wing attack. Last year's game showcased over 80 points on the scoreboard, and some believe this one could be about the same. Let's break this one down.
Key Matchups:
West Springfield Defensive Line vs Stone Bridge Offensive Line:
This is the key match-up when Stone Bridge has the ball. The Bulldogs will have the size advantage and in previous years, they have imposed their will on the Spartan defensive line. Look for West Springfield to load the line of scrimmage and put extra guys in the box to try to slow down the running game of Stone Bridge, but they have to be careful because the Bulldogs can break big plays in the passing game as well. Advantage....Stone Bridge
West Springfield Passing Game vs The Stone Bridge Secondary
The only, and we mean only question mark on this Stone Bridge team is the one position West Springfield could exploit the most, the secondary. The Spartans will fire it deep, short, in the middle of the field, and if the Bulldogs aren't careful, anywhere they want on Friday night. Stone Bridge will have to mix coverage to confuse Renner, but that is easier said than done. The biggest key will be pressure, and Stone Bridge has the defensive line to get to Renner, but again, that is easier said than done. Watch this match-up, it could decide the game. Advantage.....West Springfield
Keys To Victory:
For Stone Bridge:
- Knock Renner Down At Every Chance
- Control The Ball On Offense And The Clock
- Keep The Spartan Receivers In Front Of Them
For West Springfield:- S
Score Early and Often
- Establish Some Running Game Early
- Keep Stone Bridge under 30 points
Game Outlook:
While many of the Gameday staff picked Stone Bridge without blinking, this game will be closer than last year's in my opinion. Stone Bridge has a major injury that could slow down their offense with Patrick Thompson's hand not 100%, if he plays at all. The Bulldogs will run at will, but the Spartans will pass at will, which should be an exciting formula for the fans. Expect at least 60 points scored in this one. If Stone Bridge can get to Renner, and the Spartans have trouble stopping the run, this game will once again favor the Bulldogs when the final gun sounds.
Newcomers to Watch:
Stone Bridge's Marcus Harris is a name you may not know, but he will get some carries in this game. At 6'0 tall and extremely fast, Harris could make a name for himself with some electrifying runs against the Spartans.
Last Year's Game:
Last year's battle between the two teams was a thriller. The final score would have been much closer had it not been for a 42-point third quarter by the Stone Bridge Bulldogs.
Projected Weather:
Scattered Thunderstorms. Highs in the 80s with lows in the upper-50s
