Oct. 12, 2012 — The Vikings of 2011 and Vikings of 2012 have turned out to be two very different teams.
With little finesse and flash, but more smash mouth approach, this year’s Rowan County squad has managed to once again put itself in a promising position late in the season.
Two-straight district wins have made way for a potential home playoff birth for the Vikes, with one team left to beat to make this a reality.
That opponent will not be an easy one to defeat, with 5-1 Johnson Central rolling into town.
This game’s significance will be worth its weight in gold, as the winner will lay claim to a home playoff game to open the high school football postseason.
The Vikings are currently riding a two-game winning streak (both in the 8th District) and look to add a third to that list when they take their home field for potentially the final time this season.
With all the playoff implications out of the way, let’s get down to the real, ‘nitty gritty,' and delve into some analysis.
First, the visitors on the scoreboard.
Johnson Central is a very good team, with its strongest asset lying within its backfield.
In my mind, the Eagles proved just how good they were when they defeated Ohio perennial powerhouse Ironton just two weeks back. Statement games are needed to justify claims of greatness, and this is what Johnson Central garnered in with this victory.
Success on the gridiron is like a puzzle, and in order to win, you must have the right pieces to fit together.
For the Eagles, their running backs are said pieces, with junior running back Jordan Young leading the offensive push. Young was particularly impressive in his team’s win over Ironton, piling up 176 yards on 17 carries, while scoring two touchdowns.
For Rowan County’s defense, it’s a simple matter of manning up to the challenge. Stop Johnson Central’s running game, stop Johnson Central.
Can the Vikings core of defensive lineman and linebackers clog up potential running gaps? This will be the difference in the game.
On offense, Rowan County must keep turnovers at a minimum. Against teams who aren’t as good as tonight’s opponent, you can make a few mistakes here and there, but in order to stay in this game, there must be minimal turnovers.
Thunder and lightning combo, Keontae Moore and Chris baker, need to have a strong outing for the big green machine. Johnson Central’s defense is susceptible to the run, so this could also be a deciding factor if the Vikings are to win.
What’s the biggest key to tonight’s game? Well, essentially its belief in one’s self.
Intimidation can often set in when a 6-1 team rolls into town, but if there is even an inkling of doubt within the minds of the Viking players, chances of winning will be greatly reduced.
Should be an interesting one my friends, so come out and support Rowan County as it battles to play one more home game this coming postseason.
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. at Paul Ousley Field.
Grant Stevens can be reached at gstevens@themoreheadnews.com or by telephone at 784-4116.
