Football preview

Published 8:40 am Thursday, September 8, 2016

BUCKINGHAM (0-2) at W. CAMPBELL (0-1)

Kickoff: 7 p.m.

Last season: Buckingham 55, W. Campbell 12

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Coach’s game notes: While the Knights are struggling, the number of healthy players is increasing. They have been practicing with 20 players in pads this week, up from 13 last week, and two key seniors are back from the injury list — safety/running back/slot receiver Jarvis Bowles and cornerback/receiver Daqaurius Holman.

The Generals tend to present a spread look on offense, looking to run the ball inside and if possible, keeping it with their skilled quarterback, who likes to run. Sometimes they will throw it outside, which will keep the Buckingham defense honest.

CUMBERLAND (0-2) AT BLUESTONE (0-1)

Kickoff: 7 p.m.

Last season: Bluestone 43, Cumberland 0

Coach’s game notes: The Dukes are getting a bit healthier, with freshman offensive lineman Thomas Trowbridge back and senior running back Jamie Trent back to 100 percent.

The Barons routed the Dukes last year, and Cumberland will need to make some adjustments to avoid a similar result this year, because the Barons are a similar team.

On film, they look quite athletic, aggressive and a little more open on offense than they were last year in terms of style. They run a spread offense, like to throw the ball and have a good quarterback, who also runs well.

PRINCE EDWARD (1-1) AT NOTTOWAY (0-2)

Kickoff: 7 p.m.

Last season: Nottoway 58, Prince Edward 26

Coach’s game notes: As the Eagles prepare for their district opener, they have been focusing on the basics — blocking, tackling and ball security.

They struggled with taking care of the football against Altavista last week, registering three fumbles and four interceptions.

The Eagles also had difficulty with Altavista’s attacking-style defense, which they will see again from the Cougars. Nottoway is physical up front, and its front seven is quite aggressive.

On offense, the Cougars have a young line, but it blocks well, helping three hard-running tailbacks and a quarterback who is a threat to run, too.

BYE: FUQUA (1-0)