Oct. 26, 2012 — Much like the week following the Ashland Blazer game, it’s time for the Rowan County Vikings to put the previous game against Johnson Central out of sight and out of mind.
Sitting at 4-5, 2-2 in district play, the Vikings may have seen its chances for a home playoff game go out the door last Friday, but there is more football to play in the regular season.
This week, Head Coach Kyle Singleton and his unit will board bus for a trip to Winchester to take on George Rogers Clark.
At 0-9 on the year, GRC will be a team playing with nothing to lose, desperately seeking to dodge a winless season. Set to play 6A’s second-rated squad, Trinity, in the first round of the state playoffs, the Cardinals could definitely use a moral booster before its projected November thrashing.
The biggest offensive threat the Vikings will see come this Friday lies within the arms and legs of a sophomore quarterback. Luke Sharrock has potential to put points on the board, throwing for 85 yards a week ago, rushing for 24, while picking up a touchdown pass.
The Vikings are a team facing a similar threat come next Saturday, as they head down to Covington Catholic to take on 4A’s ninth-ranked squad.
I’m not saying it’s impossible for Rowan County to come out of Covington with a win, but realistically speaking, it could prove a daunting task.
Back to this week.
So, what’s it going to take for Head Coach Kyle Singleton and his crew to exit Winchester with its fifth win of the year? The answer is not rocket science, it’s simple execution.
Offensively, feed the rock to your two biggest weapons in Keontae Moore and Chris Baker. Baker has rushed for 611 yards this season, and Moore has rumbled his way to 626. While it’s not rocket science, there is a formula to success when the Vikings have it: Moore and Baker gain big yardage, Rowan County wins football games.
Defensively, it’s essential for the defensive line and line-backing core to bring out the fear a winless sophomore quarterback most likely possesses. Contain Sharrock, the Vikes will even their record.
This week’s game against the Cards could serve as a critical confidence booster if the Vikings hope to compete with Covington Catholic come next weekend. Entering the postseason with an even record will no doubt make it much easier to hit the road and play one of 4A’s best teams.
Kickoff for Rowan County’s regular season finale is set for 7:30 p.m.
Grant Stevens can be reached at gstevens@themoreheadnews.com or by telephone at 784-4116.
