The new season brought a new schedule for the Reeds Spring Wolves this year. No longer did they open with SCA members Willow Springs and Salem. In their place Big 8 foes, and district mates, Mt Vernon and Cassville. Now, people can speculate all they want, but there was no way of knowing for sure that when the Wolves and Mountaineers got together on that August evening that they would strap ’em up again a couple of months later with even more on the line.
Reeds Spring defeated Mt Vernon that night 47-34 in a shootout of contrasting styles. Korey Robinette would run for over 280 yards that night in only three quarters of action. In all the Wolves would cover almost 650 yards on the ground that night. But, Mt Vernon answered with more than 400 yards in the air. It was a track meet for sure. Now, in order for the Wolves to advance to the District Championship game they will have to do it again.
The Mountaineers have not changed what they do.. quarterback Garrett Hadlock wants to get the ball to Andrew Montemayor, Jarrett Massie, and the rest of their talented receivers. The run game has also improved for Mt Vernon, primarily on the legs of Sammy Robinson, who is also used as a receiver out of the backfield and is not beyond taking some direct snaps. Its a tall order but for the Wolves to be successful they most contain this group a little better than they did Week one.
On the other hand, Reeds Spring wants a repeat performance out of its offense. Their speed really gave the Mountaineer defense problems in the opener. If they can get the same kind of blocking at the point of attack and on the perimeter you have to like the chances of them having a big night once again. But, Coach Tom Cox has been at this a long time and don’t think he doesn’t have a wrinkle up his sleeve to try to make things different this time.
It should be a great game. Again, its a team that the Wolves have already beaten once this year but that was a long time ago and things have changed for both teams since. The team that can get its offense rolling while limiting what the other wants to do, as with most games, is going to come out ahead. Despite the picks that you see on other sites I love the Wolves chances in this one. It wont be easy but I think they will be up to the task.
Kickoff is set for 7 tomorrow night. If you cant be there make sure to tune into 100.1 from my call.