Football preview

Published 9:10 am Thursday, October 13, 2016

CUMBERLAND (1-5) at PRINCE EDWARD (3-4)

Kickoff: 7 p.m.

Last season: Prince Edward 35, Cumberland 0

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Coach’s game notes: This is a big rivalry game for the Eagles and the Dukes, as many players on the teams are friends with each other, traveling in the same circles.

The Dukes are still injury-plagued and will be without running back Jamie Trent, linebacker Raheem Rumsey and starting center/defensive tackle Tyruss Sims. They will, however, have quarterback Brandon Leabough back, who has earned the respect of the Eagles over the years.

The Eagles are dangerous on offense with running back Brandon Scott and quarterbacks Zion Lewis and Joel Thomas.

FUQUA (4-1) AT ATLANTIC SHORES (5-1)

Kickoff: 7 p.m.

Last season: Atlantic Shores 46, Fuqua 0

Coach’s game notes: The Falcons are moving forward from their first loss of the season with an inward focus, working to clean up their mistakes, eliminating mental errors and encouraging players to trust each other and focus on their own individual game assignments.

The Seahawks will be dangerous coming off their first loss. Their offensive line features all 275- to 300-pound players that can move, blocking for a speedy tailback and a versatile quarterback.

On defense, the Seahawks run a 3-3 stack, which is hard to predict and prepare for.

AMELIA (3-3) AT BUCKINGHAM (1-6)

Kickoff: 7 p.m.

Last season: Buckingham 67, Amelia 17

Coach’s game notes: The Knights are trying to move forward with their season after a freak collision in the fourth quarter of their last game led to serious injuries to Brycen Newby, Javon Jones and Brandon Moseley. Though it has been a rough season, the goal is to finish things the right way.

The first step in that process involves stopping a Raiders team that has had a short week and will be looking to rebound from a blowout loss Monday to Prince Edward.

The Raiders have good coaches and some talented players that create a balanced offense slightly favoring the run. On defense, they run a 4-4 and sometimes a five-man front.