Playoff spots at stake
Published 10:28 pm Thursday, November 7, 2013
King’s Fork High School senior quarterback Uriah Adams reaches for a first down during a home game against Indian River High School. The Bulldogs aim to return home for their first playoff game by winning tonight at Western Branch High School. (Danny Haymond photo)
Deep Creek at Nansemond River
Last season – Nansemond River 28, Deep Creek 7
It’s simple: If the Warriors (3-6, 3-5 SED) win tonight’s regular season finale, they secure a playoff berth.
“We’ve been in this situation the previous two years, kind of knocking on the door, so the players and the coaches understand the situation,” NR head coach Tracey Parker said. “It’s time for us to open that door.”
After a 1-26 stretch, the Hornets (2-7, 2-6) are on a two-game winning streak.
Nansemond River will need to limit Deep Creek junior quarterback Terrence Shambry, junior running back Armond Askew, senior wide receiver/linebacker Darius Royster and senior wideout Chuma Awanna.
Nansemond River has no key injuries to report.
King’s Fork at Western Branch
Last season – Western Branch 56, King’s Fork 14
The Bulldogs (7-2, 6-2) have secured a playoff spot, but tonight’s game is still important.
“We know for certain if we take care of business and win this game Friday, we’ll host a playoff game,” KF head coach Joe Jones said Thursday.
His team can also achieve its first eight-win season.
The Bulldogs must shut down the run game of the Bruins (8-1, 7-1) and look out for the play-action pass.
“Their offense is like the Wing T on steroids,” Jones said.
Bulldogs senior wideout/defensive back JaQuon Diggs returns from a kidney bruise this week, and senior wideout/defensive back Jonathan Holloway is expected back next week from a shoulder injury.
Grassfield at Lakeland
Last season – Grassfield 27, Lakeland 22
The Cavaliers (1-8, 1-7) look to close the season well, having been eliminated from playoff contention. The Grizzlies (7-2, 6-2) have already clinched a playoff spot, but Lakeland head coach Bryan Potts still expects to see plenty of Grassfield’s senior running back/defensive back duo Isaiah Harper and Vincent Lowe.
“We recognize that those are their best players on both sides of the ball,” Potts said.
They have at least 1,091 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground and eight interceptions on defense.
To control them, Potts said, “We’ve got to have a big game up front.” He expressed confidence his defense could limit Grassfield’s passing attack.
Lakeland has no key injuries to report.
All of Friday’s games will kick off at 7 p.m.
