LEWISBURG (WVDN) – Greenbrier East got back on the winning side of things after they dismantled the Ripley Vikings 47-8 on Friday, Oct. 14, at Spartan Stadium.
The homecoming festivities put an extra pep in the Spartans’ step as they put their foot on the gas from the opening kickoff until the clock struck all zeroes in the fourth quarter.
East was pretty much in a must-win situation if they wanted any hopes of a state playoff berth, and they were able to extend those hopes for another week.
Here are some keys to the victory:
1. The Momentum Swung Literally on the Opening Kickoff
The Spartans kicked off to open the game, and Ripley’s do-it-all player, Virgil Myers, fumbled the return. Kicker Noah Dotson recovered for East and the Spartans wasted little time to capitalize.
Ian Cline galloped to the end zone from 30 yards away and gave East an early 7-0 lead. With the Vikings struggling on the year, that play proved to be too much for them to overcome. The packed East crowd got loud and into the game from the beginning and never let up the whole first half.
2. Monquelle Davis Was Dialed in
Spartan quarterback Monquelle Davis had only five total touchdowns in his first six games, a number that jumped off the paper as being extremely low for the talented all-state senior.
However, against Ripley, Davis broke out in a big way by totaling four touchdowns in the first half alone (three passing, one rushing), and was nearly unstoppable. Davis sometimes has a tendency to get a little too unselfish, which is in his nature. But sometimes, like this game, Davis should unleash it all himself. He is smooth, quick and agile and can make plays with his feet or his arm. The last couple games, he has been at receiver a little more, but he proved again Friday that quarterback still suits him just fine and allows his big play ability to shine.
3. East’s Defense Shut Down Virgil Myers
Ripley’s quarterback, Myers had just had a 156-yard rushing game and five total touchdowns just a week before rolling into Spartan Stadium. Ripley’s offense seemed to be on the upswing with Myers at the helm.
But the Spartans defensive game plan was a good one and limited what Myers wanted to do offensively. He was held to only 23 yards on 16 carries and was bottled up all night. He did throw a 44-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter, but other than that, the Vikings offense was stagnant. Props to Spartan defensive coordinator Aaron Baker for heading the defense that gave up just 160 total yards to Ripley.
4. East Still Needs Three More Wins
While a difficult task, the Spartans have three games left, and most likely need to win all three for an outside shot at a state playoff berth.
It is something that is not going to be easy but is a goal that the team can get behind.
This week, East hosts Parkersburg South (preview out soon) who was ranked no. 1 in the state just a couple of weeks ago. They are still in the top five and will be a difficult matchup for East. However, the Spartans get the Patriots at home and strange things have happened to get teams in the past at Spartan Stadium.
East’s season starts this Friday, so to speak, and it will be interesting to see how they approach it.
