Week 3 High School Football Previews

James Wood at Warren

When: Today, 7 p.m.

Where: Warren County High School in Front Royal

Records: James Wood Colonels (1-1); Warren County Wildcats (1-0).

Last week: James Wood beat Park View 32-20; Warren County was idle.

Last year: James Wood beat Warren County 36-0.

Players to watch: James Wood — LB/RBRyan Funkhouser; Warren County — QB Robert Rutherford

Preview: Emmett Smith, Dominic Revetta, Adam Vadell, Isaac Schrantz and Cody Polk.

Unless you’re a diehard James Wood fan you’ve probably never heard of them, but the quintet is a big reason why the Colonels and running back Tyler Bishop are racking up big numbers this season.

Smith (RT), Revetta (RG), Vadell (C), Schrantz (LG) and Polk (LT) are opening up the the holes for Bishop, who leads the area with 236 yards per game.

“They’ve been doing a great job,” Wood coach Mark McHale said of his offensive line. “They got it together. The missing link was at left tackle and Cody Polk transferred from Central Woodstock. He’s really a linebacker/fullback type of body but he fit in there and had chemistry with those guys and caught on right away. He learned fast and in camp that was really big. “That group probably is gelling better than any other group on the team.”

The Colonels have looked for solid play in other areas and got it last week against Park View.

McHale praised his special teams. The Colonels executed a “quick field goal,” racing on the field in the final seconds as Brady Burner kicked a 23-yard field goal that gave them the lead for good at 17-14.

The secondary also improved over Week 1. Noah Sullivan and Drew Keller had interceptions. The defense will have to be stout against Warren County, which had a bye last week after opening the season with a 27-17 triumph against Handley.

Robert Rutherford completed 13 of 14 passes for 128 yards and a score against the Judges. Cam Ford caught 10 of his tosses.

Rutherford also ran 66 yards for a TD. His twin brother Joe Rutherford scored on a 28-yard run.

“We’ve got to contain them and we’ve got to play good pass defense,” McHale said. “They’ll throw it vertical down the field and they’ll throw hitches and outs. They’ll test your coverage. We’ve got to be real disciplined this week not to give up any big plays.”

— Compiled by Walt Moody