When Cave Spring takes the field for their home game against the Northside Vikings Friday night at Bogle Stadium in Southwest Roanoke County, the Knights will be searching for more than a three game winning streak. They’ll be seeking validation.
The Knights also began the 2008 season with promise, defeating Alleghany and Staunton River before falling apart and losing their final eight games en route to a second consecutive 2-8 record.
After dominating victories against Staunton River and Graham, Cave Spring again sits at 2-0. But this year, the Knights insist they won’t be experiencing any form of déjà vu. “We’re a year older, a year more experienced,” Head Coach Tim Fulton said. “We haven’t really talked about our record so far. Our only goal is to get better every week.”
Against the Vikings, they’ll get a chance to prove this team might be different from those of the past few years. But it won’t be easy: Northside (2-0) is coming off of an impressive road win at Pulaski County, last year’s Region IV Division 4 champ. In their two wins, the Vikings have amassed an astonishing 684 yards rushing.
“It’s a pretty well known fact that those kids can fly,” Fulton said. “They’re pretty big up front and their offensive line gets off of the ball well.” The key to the game will be the Knights ability to slow down the Vikings’ dynamic running attack, which features Philip Scott (189 yards rushing and two TD’s vs. Pulaski) and Dustin Phelps.
“Our defense is going to have to be technically sound,” Fulton said. “We’re going to need good reads from our linebackers, and good positioning, because their speed is a concern.”
Offensively, Cave Spring has shown itself capable of beating opponents through the air and on the ground in 2009. Against Staunton River, quarterback Josh Woodrum completed 22 of 29 passes for just under 300 yards, but against Graham, the Knights relied on their rushing attack, racking up nearly 200 yards in the 55-12 blowout win. They will need a balance if they are to move the ball consistently against the Northside defense.
“We’ll really have to do a good job of keeping them guessing, because they do a great job of shutting down what you’re trying to do,” Fulton said. While a win would go a long way towards regaining credibility as a program, Fulton continues to take a long-term approach. “We talk a lot about adversity, and how at some point we’re gonna face it, and have to push through it,” he said. “Friday is going to be a really tough game, but we’re going to focus on executing and improving. And if we can get better each week, we think we can accomplish our goals.”
Matt Reeve [email protected]
