WHO: (9) Chapmanville Tigers at (8) Greenbrier East Spartans
WHEN: Friday, November 14 at 7:00 PM
WHERE: Spartan Stadium in Fairlea
WHAT’S AT STAKE: A chance to go to the elite 8 and play (most likely) Bridgeport
HOW THEY GOT HERE: GE (6-4, finished # 8 in final rankings) — Chap (10-0, #9 in final rankings)
About the Tigers:
Chapmanville rolls into Fairlea undefeated at 10-0 for just the third time since 1986. They are coached by Zach Belcher who expects his team to practice well, be smart, and be focused the whole time on the field. Chapmanville only beat two AAA teams this year– Nicholas County 24-12 and St. Albans 69-6– and those two teams combined for just two wins (both by Nicholas Co.).
Belcher told “The Logan Banner” after the season finale win over St. Albans the following:
“The boys had an incredible season, and it all goes to their work ethic and the coaches as well. They put a lot of time in. The number one goal we have every year coming in is that nobody will outwork us. I think that showed tonight.”
He added, “I want to make sure our guys go into the playoffs healthy so that we can make some noise and give anyone that goes against us some trouble.”
Chapmanville is capable of making that noise as well. Everyone they have played, with the exception of Nicholas County, they have handled rather easily. They like to play fast and are very balanced running and throwing the football.
The Numbers Game:
The Tigers typically obliterate their opponents and average 46.2 points per game. They allow only 5.1 to their opponents. So, basically the defense doesn’t even allow a touchdown each time out. The Spartans score at a 28.4 clip and give up an average of 20.3. Obviously, the strength of each team’s schedule makes a huge difference, but once things kickoff Friday night, the schedule for either team up to this point, will not matter whatsoever.
In road games, the Tigers’ numbers stay consistent. They score an average of 40.2 points away from home and still only allow 7.8. By comparison, the Spartans play better at home and score 31.2 points per game inside Spartan Stadium, and on the road, that number drops to 25.8. So, Greenbrier East will be on the field that typically gives them better results on both sides of the ball.
Players to Watch for Chapmanville (most through 9 games)
QB- Dakota Dalton: 1,700 pass yds, 22 TD, 3 INT– 300 rush yds, 7 TD
RB- Preston Kovach: 1,030 rush yds, 15 TD
WR- Trey Ward: 757 rec. yds, 13 TD
RB- Jeremy Collins: 600 rush yds, 7 TD– 60 tackles on defense
WR- Austin Adkins: 520 all-purpose yds, 3 TD
Jaxon Topping: 70 tackles, 3 TFL, 2 sacks
Austin Killen: 67 tackles, 3 TFL, sack
Players to Watch for Greenbrier East:
QB- Brody Hamric: 121-of-219, 1,613 pass yds, 18 TD, 5 INT
RB- AJ Godfrey: 219 car, 945 yds, 15 TD- Questionable (Likely to play)
TE- Grant Burdette: 36 rec, 474 yds, 5 TD
WR/DB- Kaden Stone: 21 rec, 345 yds, 7 total TD– 5 INT
WR/DB- Nate Suttle: 39 rec, 493 yds, 9 total TD– 5 INT
ILB- Keshawn Bland:
OL/DL- Gage Blevins:
DT/OL- Harrison Smith
OLB- Brayden Brown: 4 fumble recoveries, def TD
OL/DL- Jackson Morgan
Prediction:
I haven’t made one of these all season. Maybe even in two years.
Expect a hard fought, tight, physical battle in this one. Chapmanville is coming to prove it doesn’t matter who they play, they can beat anyone. The Spartans senior class DOES NOT want to end this run just quite yet. If nothing else, this game will be entertaining and one of the more compelling matchups–in my biased opinion– in Class AAA this weekend.
If Godfrey does indeed play, Greenbrier East 21, Chapmanville 17.
