WHO: Greenbrier East (1-3) at #11 Shady Spring (3-1)
WHERE: H.B. Thomas Field in Shady Spring, WV
WHEN: Friday, October 4 at 7:00 PM
LAST WEEK: Greenbrier East (BYE), Shady (defeated Pikeview 41-7)
COVERAGE: TV– Greenbrier Valley Channel on Roku, YouTube, Facebook, and Optimum Ch. 5—Radio– 103.1, WRON
The Greenbrier East Spartans hit the road for their third straight road game after a much-needed week off last week. The Spartans last time on the field resulted in a lopsided 42-7 loss to the Alleghany Cougars in a game that truly was not even that close.
But now, after an extra week to rest, heal up, and prepare, Greenbrier East is re-focused and ready to get the last couple of weeks out of their minds and move forward as we approach the last half of the 2024 season.
ABOUT THE TIGERS:
Much like the Spartans, the Shady Spring Tigers are members of Class AAA and this season they have started 3-1 despite an illness to their starting quarterback in the first game of the season. The Tigers lost that game to Roane County but have reeled off three consecutive wins including a hard-fought victory at James Monroe just a couple of weeks ago. Shady is coached by Vince Culicerto who is in his 20th season at the school. Last Friday, the Tigers crushed Pikeview 41-7 behind a slew of impressive performances across the board. Known as a basketball school over the last handful of years, Culicerto has put together a program this season that is bringing back football back on par with their hardwood counterparts.
–Players to Watch—
Shady Spring: Cal Culicerto, Nate Easley, Evan Romage, Jacob Kubow, Evan Honaker, Shady defense
Greenbrier East: Brody Hamric, Nate Suttle, Grant Burdette, Brady May, Donavin Penn, Kaden Stone
With Culicerto, the player, back, Shady becomes a much more dangerous team. The junior went 12-for-15 for 206 yards and three TDs last week. Nate Easley leads the state in interceptions with six and is also a dangerous receiving threat having totaled eight catches for 148 yards in his last two games. The ground game of the Tigers features two Evan’s, Romage and Honaker, and both are dynamic. Romage has run for 251 yards and a couple scores over his last two games and Honaker has found the end zone multiple times as well. The Tiger defense held Pikeview to under 100 yards of total offense last week and that side of the ball may be Shady’s true calling card.
Spartan Stat Leaders (4 games):
Offense Team: Rushing—80.8, Passing—167.5, Total—248.3 yards per game
Defense Team: Rushing—212.5, Passing—146.0, Total—358.5 yards allowed per game
Passing: Brody Hamric- 42-of-76, 616 yds, 8 TDs, 4 INT
Rushing: Brady May- 78 carries, 260 yds, 2 TDs
Receiving: Nate Suttle- 17 rec., 256 yds, 3 TDs
Top 3 Keys to the Game:
Spartans must play well/better on both lines
Hold Culicerto to less than 100 yards passing
Avoid throwing to Nate Easley (state leader with 6 int)
Summary:
Things may not be as tough as they were in Covington two weeks ago, but that doesn’t mean they will be easy for Greenbrier East. Shady Spring is a good team that plays fundamental football, and they have one of the most opportunistic defenses not just in Class AAA, but the whole state. East will need to limit turnovers and move the ball consistently. Both lines for the Spartans have gotten pushed back more than they wanted to each of the last three games. Some of the focus over the off week was getting tougher up front. If the Spartans can find that toughness, they have the skill talent to play with most teams on their schedule, including these Tigers.
Let’s see what Friday brings and find out if East took advantage of their week off and improved in some areas.
