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District title is on the line tonight
Friday, November 6, 2009
By CHASE YOUNG - Bulletin Sports Writer
Bassett and Magna Vista will gear up tonight to battle for the Smith River Classic trophy, but that’s just a small portion of what’s at stake.
“We’ve got to win to get in the playoffs,” said Magna Vista coach Joe Favero. “They (the Warriors) want to continue their season, keep playing, just from the standpoint of that’s the only way we can guarantee ourselves in the playoffs. That’s a goal we set at the beginning of the season.”
With a win at Ed Bassett Stadium tonight, the Warriors would not only clench a spot in the Region IV Division 3 playoffs but also the Piedmont District Title, a feat the school hasn’t accomplished since the 2005-06 season.
Not only have the Warriors been unable to clench the PD title in the last three seasons, but a 21-game skid that began in 2007 has kept the Warriors from coming anywhere close to district dominance.
All that has changed this season. The Warriors now stand atop the PD, but that doesn’t faze Bassett head coach Jay Gilbert.
“Throw the records out when we face Magna Vista,” said Gilbert. “It’s a cross county rival, and we’re playing for the Smith River Classic trophy.”
For the past five seasons, the Bengals have finished with at least a share of the district title, a streak that would continue if BHS gets a win tonight.
“I’m sure they don’t want to be the first team since consolidation not to share it, so I hope it’s going to help motivate them a little bit,” said Gilbert.
Additionally, Favero served as Bassett’s defensive coordinator just two seasons ago.
“I think the game itself is important to both sides,” said Gilbert. “Joe’s an ex-coach. When you play against someone you’ve coached with, there’s a little extra incentive to do well.”
The teams also share strategic similarities, as both run option attacks on offense and use the 3-4 as their base defenses.
Warrior quarterback Harvey Taylor currently leads the PD with 911 passing yards and a 52 percent completion rating. Magna Vista’s offense has produced a district-high 324 yards-per-game average.
Furthermore, the Warriors lead the district in passing and rushing with 105 and 219.1 yards per game, respectively.
On the other side, Bassett ranks second in the team passing with 91 yards a game, and quarterback Mason Maples is tied for first in the PD with seven passing touchdowns.
Gilbert expects his defense to be challenged yet again; last week, the Bengals lost 22-0 at Patrick County.
“They’re pretty balanced,” said Gilbert of MVHS. “We’re going to have to make sure all of our guys are doing what they need to do on every play.
“If we can eliminate mistakes, eliminate turnovers, I think we’ve got a chance to give them a game.”
During practices this week, Favero has stressed to his players the importance of protecting the football, tackling well, knowing assignments and in-game adjustments.
“They’re a run-first offense, but they do throw the ball well at times, so we have to prepare for both,” he said. “Our key is to continue to pay well like we have the past few weeks. We’ve had a real good October, and hopefully we can continue to play like we have been.”
Patrick County (
at Martinsville
Despite the absence of quarterback Jacob Reynolds last week, Patrick County ran its way to a 22-0 win over Bassett (22-0). The surprising production came from tailback Josh Walker and fullback Jalen Reynolds, and MHS coach Bobby Dalton certainly took notice.
“We’re going to have to figure out a way to stop the tailback and the fullback,” he said.
“The key to this ball game: Our defensive tackles will have to play the best ball game of the season,” he added.
Walker leads the district with 1157 rushing yards on 193 carries and has produced seven rushing touchdowns as well. Fullback Jalen Reynolds got his first extensive action carrying the ball last week against Bassett, and came through with 87 yards and a TD on 24 carries.
“He’s a big kid, and he runs right at ya,” said Dalton of Reynolds. “With the exception of us, I don’t think there’s a fullback in the district that can come at you like he can.”
After trying multiple offenses this season, the Bulldogs will stick to the option tonight, using Derrick Ziglar under center. Dalton said Martinsville’s ability to pitch the ball will be key.
“Each game we go in, the pitch is open we just don’t get it out there,” said Dalton. “We’ve got to pitch the ball to give us a chance.”
Dalton added that the Bulldogs will have to shore up redzone issues that have been a problem all year and “finish the job” against the Cougars’ “explosive-type offense.”
Though both teams are unsure of their chances at a playoff appearance, one thing they do know is that without a win tonight, there’s no chance at all.
“We’ve talked about not being in control of our own destiny. It’s an absolute must,” said Cougar coach Brad Dalton of the need for a win.
According to Dalton, the Cougars biggest concerns are Martinsville running back Javon Tarpley and fullback Marquill Eggleston.
“We know Javon can run,” said Dalton. “He’s probably the fastest kid in the district, so we’ve gotta try to not let him loose for those long runs, and Marquill is a good fullback. He’s a powerful, strong kid, and this is his third year starting, so he’s experienced and a kid that you have to be aware of.”
Tarpley has rushed for 529 yards and three touchdowns this season, and Eggleston has 426 rushing yards, plus 109 total tackles from his middle linebacker spot, a mark ranking second in the district.
