Craig County (6-0) at Parry McCluer (4-3) WHEN: 7 p.m. on Friday WHERE: Bobby Williams Field in Buena Vista. Tickets are $7.
LAST YEAR: Jacob Shafer rushed for 210 yards and scored two touchdowns as the Blues scored 37 straight points to defeat Craig County, 37-6, in New Castle. The Rockets started the scoring by marching 67 yards on their opening drive, but from there, it was all PM. The Blues forced nine fumbles and two turnovers in the game, held the Rockets to just 154 yards of total offense and scored on all four of their second half possessions to blow open a close game after intermission.
SCOUTING THE ROCKETS: Craig County comes into Friday’s contest undefeated and sitting at the top spot in the Region 1C points race. The Rockets, though they have played only one team with a winning record thus far, are averaging more than 48 points per game and have eclipsed the 50-point plateau three times this season. The high-octane single-wing offense, which ran to a 44-6 win over Eastern Montgomery in the Pioneer District opener last Friday night, is led by the explosive duo of Robbie Eakin and Carter Calfee, with Eakin, a sophomore, serving as a speed back and Calfee, a senior, providing the power. When the Rockets drop back to pass, which is not very often, sophomore Bentley Smith handles those duties. Craig County has been just as solid on the defensive side of the football, posting three shutouts and allowing only seven points per game.
SCOUTING THE BLUES: Turnovers continued to plague PM in its 28-7 loss at Narrows last Friday. The Blues lost the ball four times in the game, with two fumbles and a pair of interceptions, giving PM 12 turnovers in the last four games. The Blues did manage to move the ball effectively against the Green Wave, however, mounting five drives of nine plays or more. The last two games, played without injured running back and linebacker Jacob Shafer, have allowed Parker Snider to emerge as PM’s back. Snider, who had 13 tackles against Narrows and continues to be the leader on the stop unit, posted his second straight 100-yard effort on the offensive side of the ball, rushing for 104 yards and a TD.
THE NEWS-GAZETTE’S PICK: PM has dominated the series with the Rockets, winning 31 of the 36 meetings between the two teams, including the last 13. Craig’’s last win over the Blues came way back in 2010, 41-0. If that streak is going to continue, the Blues have to do three things. First, they must eliminate the turnovers and give the offense a chance to finish off long drives. Next, they must remain disciplined defensively, following the keys to shut down the single-wing. Finally, the Blues must ignore the distractions that come with a homecoming football game. A win in this game will go a long way in solidifying PM’s place in the hunt for a playoff spot, and we think the Blues will put together a complete game and knock the Rockets from the ranks of the unbeaten, 28-14.
