Published Thursday, October 27, 2011 8:50 PM
Updated Thursday, October 27, 2011 8:52 PM
Ashley Ridge travels to Goose Creek tonight looking to do what no other local team has done, beat the Gators.
The Swamp Foxes carry a 7-2 record into the contest and are coming off a huge win over cross-town rival Summerville. The Gators are 8-1 and coming off a win that clinched them the Region 7-AAAA championship.
Goose Creek’s only loss of the season came in overtime to University School from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., a team with several Division 1 prospects. On the season, the Gators are averaging 49.7 points per game while yielding only 11.6 points per game.
“Goose Creek is big and physical on both sides of the ball,” Ashley Ridge coach Kenny Walker said. “Offensively we have to control the clock and keep the chains moving as much as we can. Defensively we will have to do a good job on first down and try to get them behind the chains. We can’t give up the big play. Special teams are important too; they have blocked a lot of punts this year so we will have to be solid with our special teams effort.”
Goose Creek seems to have an unlimited number of offensive weapons and the Gator linemen help make the most of them. The team can move the ball on the ground or in the air.
The Gators defense is experienced and stout, especially in the middle.
But Ashley Ridge has a lot going for it as well.
The team’s featured running back, Romelo Doctor, surpassed the 1,000-yard rushing mark for the season last week. Quarterback Jacob Thompson has surpassed the 1,000-yard passing mark for the season in his first year starting at the position. Fullback Vernon Moree has 554 rushing yards and Swamp Fox receiver Seamus McKinney has 34 receptions for 520 yards.
The Swamp Foxes also have good size up front on offense and some real playmakers on defense.
Goose Creek and Ashley Ridge both have strong kickers.
Frankie Heyward and Zack Armstrong both average around 30 yards per kickoff return for the Swamp Foxes. The two are also dangerous punt returners, but only have three punt returns on the season combined.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Goose Creek High School.
Contact Roger Lee @ 873-9424 ext. 213 or rlee@journalscene.com