Rams Looks to End Losing Streak Against Upstart Central

Strasburg (1-3, 0-0 Bull Run) will conclude the first half of their season by hosting Shenandoah County rival Central High School (2-1) on Friday night. After dropping three consecutive games, the team hopes to regain its winning momentum. In contrast, the Falcons are striving for their third consecutive victory following decisive wins over Madison County and Randolph Macon in the preceding weeks.

No player on either roster was born the last time Central defeated Strasburg on their home turf. However, with only three years since their last and only victory against the Rams in the past 21 years, the Falcons are poised for another upset.

One of the most significant weaknesses for Strasburg’s squad this season has been their pass defense. In just four games, the team has surrendered 686 yards (171.5 average) and 10 touchdowns through the air. Last year’s team allowed only 762 yards in 10 regular-season games.

The past two weeks have been particularly challenging. Against Handley High School and Page County, the Rams conceded 506 passing yards and 906 yards of total offense. Central’s “Run-and-Shoot” offense, featuring three and four wide receiver sets, will present a significant challenge and likely be a key determining factor.

Leading the Falcons’ offense is senior quarterback Brandon Foltz (5-10, 180). After sharing playing time last year with Jon Vallen (who opted not to participate this season), Foltz is now the full-time starter. While his first two outings were inconsistent, he rebounded with a solid performance last week. After a slow start where he completed 0-of-7 passes, Foltz quickly found his rhythm and completed six of his next ten attempts.

His favorite wide receiver, Brad Carter (5-10, 165), excelled with five receptions for 120 of the team’s 164 passing yards. Carter has been a dominant force in the area, leading in catches and yards in the past two seasons and earning second-team All-State honors in 2002.

Justin Stickley (5-10, 170) also contributed a catch against the Mountaineers, a 66-yard touchdown pass. He, along with junior Eric McLeod (5-10, 150), junior Ronnie Sherfey (5-10, 185), and junior Sean Sherfey (5-10, 160), complete the receiving corps. Senior tight ends Cory Runyon (6-6, 235) and Titus Cooper (6-1, 235) round out the passing threats.

Central suffered a significant blow in the preseason with the injury of senior running back Michael Rice, leaving Foltz as the leading returning rusher. Without a featured back, the Falcons now employ a running back by committee.

Mark Capansky (5-11, 180), Brandon Pence (6-0, 190), Kolter Stroop (5-11, 170), Foltz, Stickley, and Carter have all contributed to the rushing attack in various ways. Standard rushing plays, along with quarterback bootlegs, quarterback draws, and wide receiver end-arounds, are staples of head coach Greg Hatfield’s spread offense.

Anchoring the offensive line and paving the way for the rushing attack is center Jacob Wymer (5-11, 210). Other players seeing playing time include Devin Alexander (5-10, 250), Clint Bishop (5-11, 240), Zach Cline (6-0, 215), Dale Flugle (5-10, 250), Daniel Logan (5-11, 190), and T.J. Marion (6-1, 240), all of whom saw playing time last season.

Like most Group A schools, Central relies on starters to play both ways, often referred to as “Iron Man Football.” Foltz splits time at outside linebacker with Capansky, Nathaniel Dirting (5-11, 195), and David Burgess (6-2, 195). The inside linebackers in the Falcons’ 4-4 defense are Clint Bishop (5-9, 215), Jon Kanopa, and Casey Bowers (5-9, 185). Bishop is the only returning player with experience.

The strengths of the unit lie in the defensive line and secondary. Seven starters from last year return to their respective positions. On the line, Alexander, Marion, Runyon, and Logan will once again be the starters. The secondary features Carter, Stickley, and Ronnie Sherfey, with Eric McLeod providing occasional relief. The group has allowed a total of 55 points in three games.

The match-up will be featured on WAMM of Woodstock. WAMM is found at two places on your radio dial, AM-1230 and AM-790. Air time begins at 7:20.