5 Reasons Why James Wood Will Win
The James Wood offensive line had a big game last year against Sherando in a close 21-14 defeat. If they play like they did last year, the Colonels could come out with a win.
Photo By: Jeff Schryver / Gameday Magazine | VIEW GALLERY
If James Wood is to have any chance, they will need to get a big game from quarterback Trae Tinsman. Tinsman nearly led the Colonels to a huge upset last year against Sherando....
Photo By: Jeff Schryver / Gameday Magazine | VIEW GALLERY
STEPHENS CITY, VA - I was present at the last game James Wood played in 2007, and it happened to be at Sherando High School. For 3 and a half quarters, the Colonels dominated the game, but in the end it was Ross Metheny's magic that helped the Warriors prevail.
When James Wood rolls into town on Friday night for a chance at redemption, playoff implications will be on the line. With a loss already in the district, Sherando can't afford another one, and James Wood is hoping to keep their unblemished district record in tact.
If the Colonels are victorious Friday night, it will be a huge statement to the rest of the state that in fact, the balance of power has indeed shifted in the Northwestern District.
With my broadcast partner Justin Waddle writing on behalf of Sherando, I have gladly accepted the responsibility of giving you 5 reasons why James Wood will win this game Friday.....
No Intimidation Factor:
The fact is, the Colonels are the only team in the past 3 years to come into Arrowhead stadium and play like they weren't intimidated. They had the best team in Group AA in this region on the ropes, and if it weren't for some bad breaks and some great play last November, the Colonels would have been the story of the playoffs and not Sherando. Fact is, when they come to town on Friday, they won't be the least bit intimidated, and that will mean the game will be close and exciting......
Physical Line Play In The Trenches:
James Wood is a run first team, and they get it done by punishing people in the trenches. Last year, James Wood outmanned Sherando at the point of attack in the running game, and it led to several big plays. The Warriors gave the Colonels some big running lanes, and I expect James Wood to come into Friday with a similar offensive plan. If they do, they have a great chance in this game.
One Year Better:
James Wood hasn't played a tough schedule, but they are winning games convincingly because of solid leadership at the right positions. Trae Tinsman is a solid leader at quarterback, and the junior has some weapons on offense to help him out. This team was young last year, and they are not young anymore. Last year's tough loss was the experience they needed to win Friday....
Coaching Is The Same:
Mike Bolin is coaching this team much like Walter Barr did, and they are winning games with a tough, hard nosed approach. Bolin is intense and he relates really well to the kids. His experience as an assistant last year in this game will help the Colonels on Friday night. My guess is, they have already watched last year's tape 3 times and have corrected the problems that led to the defeat, and put some new wrinkles in to ensure victory.
Playoffs Are On The Line:
With Handley unbeaten in the district, James Wood needs to win to keep pace. This is a big motivator for a team that believes they can beat anyone this year. Expect the Colonels to play like a team that believes they will be district champions as opposed to a team that is hoping to win like last year. For all intensive purposes, this game is for the 2nd playoff spot from the Northwestern District at a minimum. A loss could keep one of these two teams out of the second season, and James Wood will play their best game of the year in order to keep that from happening.
