August 24, 2012

James Wood at Heritage

When: Tonight, 7

Where: Heritage High School, Leesburg

2011 Records: James Wood (4-7); Heritage (7-4)

Last year: James Wood won 24-21.

Preview: A game-tying field goal that sailed wide left proved to be the difference when James Wood and Heritage tangled in each team’s season opener last year.

To hear the coaches from both teams talk, this year’s matchup could go down to the wire again.
Both sides must replace key starters, with Heritage working in a new quarterback in sophomore Michael Galvin (6’2”, 190 pounds) and the Colonels doing the same with junior Cam Butler (5’11”, 162 pounds).

“We’re going to take it slow with Michael to start, let him get his feet wet,” said Heritage coach Steve Williams. “He’s a great competitor and he can definitely get out and run a bit. He’s got good size, he’s strong as an ox and we’re going to use that.”

Williams said his Pride will pass more than they run, but that they will be committed to establishing the run, something James Wood will be prepared for.

“Their quarterback last year was phenomenal, but their quarterback this year is pretty good. He’s athletic and he’ll run some option,” said James Wood coach Mike Bolin. “Everybody has to stick to their responsibilities for us to be successful.”

On offense the Colonels will have new faces at almost all of the skill positions, but should have continuity and familiarity where it matters most.

The offensive line boasts all four returning offensive starters for James Wood and Williams knows exactly what the Colonels will try and do on offense.

“Last year they ran right at us and we just could not stop them,” Williams said. “We’re moving to more of a 3-4 gap-control defense with a lot more pressure this year, but the key will be matching James Wood’s size and strength on the line.”

Bolin said that he believes his team matches up well with Heritage, but the Colonels could be shorthanded come game time.

“We’re banged up, and we’re going to have some guys who will be game-time decisions,” Bolin said. “Our depth is OK at those spots, but we hope those guys can go. We’ll just have to see what happens.