Football preview

Published 7:05 pm Thursday, August 30, 2018

ALTAVISTA (1-0) AT PRINCE EDWARD (0-1)

Kickoff: 7 p.m.

Last season: Eagles 32, Colonels 27

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Coach’s game notes: The Eagles’ depth may be tested further this week. One of their injured starters could be back, but it’s unclear, so not only may they be without their starting quarterback, starting center and a starting receiver again — all of which are key on defense as well — they may have yet another starter sidelined due to injury. Freshman Nate Reed looks to get more time and experience at quarterback.

The Colonels enter the game fresh off a 21-17 comeback win against Central Lunenburg High School. They will look to spread the Eagles’ defense out in order to run the ball. They have a good running quarterback and a good tailback.

Defensively, sophomore Tanner Cox leads an impressive Altavista linebacking corps.

FREDERICKSBURG CHRISTIAN (1-0) AT FUQUA (0-0)

Kickoff: 7 p.m.

Last season: Eagles 33, Falcons 19

Coach’s game notes: The Eagles started their season last week with a 55-13 road win over Portsmouth Christian School. For several years now the Eagles have been a good, high-effort team. This year they have five players with standout speed, and a particularly key player to watch is senior quarterback/safety Aaron Johnson. The Eagles have successfully blended the single wing and Wing T offenses.

Meanwhile, the Falcons begin their season without their starting quarterback, junior Elijah Warner, who is also key on defense. He was injured in last week’s scrimmage and will be out several weeks. Sophomores Luke Gee and Maureon Tisdale-Couch are preparing to fill in for Warner.

BUCKINGHAM (0-1) AT CHATHAM (0-1)

Kickoff: 7 p.m.

Last season: Cavaliers 20, Knights 7

Coach’s game notes: Both the Cavaliers and the Knights will be looking to bounce back from lopsided season-opening losses. The Cavs fell 49-19 last week at James River High School, of Buchanan.

Chatham is a solid team that likes to throw the ball a lot. It features a good quarterback, junior Ethan Reynolds, who started last year. There are also three to four good receivers and a good tailback. On defense, the Cavaliers feature a standout nose guard.

The game will have special significance stemming from the sidelines as Knights Head Coach Seth Wilkerson previously coached and coached with Cavs Head Coach Matt Allen, a former Buckingham player and coach.

BYE: CUMBERLAND (0-1)