Published Friday, October 21, 2011 11:42 AM
Updated Friday, October 21, 2011 11:48 AM
Swamp Foxes to battle Green Wave on the grid iron
Both Summerville and Ashley Ridge have the opportunity to pull ahead in the race for the Region 8-AAAA championship this week.
The Swamp Foxes (6-2, 2-0 in region play) host Summerville (6-2, 1-0) for a key game Friday at 7:30 p.m. Nothing will be settled for sure this week because of other region contests looming in the final two weeks of the regular season, but with Fort Dorchester, Beaufort and Colleton County all already having at least one region loss the winner of this week’s rivalry game will control its own destiny.
In the first ever meeting between the two varsity programs last fall the Green Wave handed the Swamp Foxes a 35-0 loss. However, Ashley Ridge has a more experienced team this season and the intimidation factor involved with facing a state power shouldn’t have as big of an impact this year.
Both the Swamp Foxes’ losses, to Stratford and Wando, were by a one-score margin. This season Ashley Ridge is outscoring opponents 239 to 153.
“They have a deceptive offense,” Summerville coach John McKissick said. “They will run the option and their quarterback is as likely to run as he is to pitch. They use a lot of motion and mix things up. We will need to try to keep the football because when they have it they are tough.”
The Foxes use a three-pronged rushing attack that features one of the top running backs in the area, Romelo Doctor. However, QB Jacob Thompson is also a good passer and has talented receivers.
“They have good size and speed in their offensive backfield,” McKissick said. “They have three good runners. Doctor is outstanding and Thompson also has a lot of ability. Vernon Moree is a good runner and blocker. They also have an outstanding receiver in Seamus McKinney.”
Summerville has thrived this season due largely to its defense. The Wave has held its opponets to 71 points this season, but has only put up 130 points itself. Summerville let a victory slip away Sept. 30 when West Ashley won on a late field goal and suffered a 19-7 loss to Goose Creek Sept. 9.
Everyone has been talking about their defense and deservingly so because they are really stingy and have players who tackle well and are very discipline in their assignments,” Ashley Ridge coach Kenny Walker said. “Their defensive coaches do a real good job preparing them week in and week out.”
While the Summerville offense hasn’t found the end zone as often as in past seasons, the unit has moved the ball more than some may realize. The Wave has a 196-minute to 187-minute edge in time of possession over its opponents this year and has shown signs of improvement in recent weeks.
There has been a lot of talk about their lack of offensive production, but from what I saw on the film I think their offense is pretty good,” Walker said. “They have a good quarterback and their running backs run fast and hard. Their wide receivers catch the ball well and their offensive line is coming together.”
Last week Summerville used a four-prong rushing attack. Sophomore Davon Anderson had his second big game after being pulled up from the Wave JV. Fullback Jerod Tucker got some tough yards and nearly matched Anderson’s production. QB Dalton Saunders rushed for more than 50 yards and Nigel Frierson was also productive playing in a limited capacity in his first game back since suffering an ankle injury. Don’t be surprised if the Wave uses their leading rusher more often this week.
We will have our hands full but we are used to that,” Walker said. “I feel the keys to the game will be field position and turnovers. It will be a challenge for us if we are on our side of the 50 all night.”
Walker was the head coach for the Green Wave JV football team and Summerville’s varsity wrestling program for several years before he transferred to Ashley Ridge. He is the Swamp Foxes’ second head football coach.
Several of Walker’s assistant coaches also once coached at Summerville.
Contact Roger Lee @ 873-9424 ext. 213 or rlee@journalscene.com