Strasburg Looks to Build on Victory Against Rejuvenated Stonewall
Cautious optimism is a phrase that Strasburg (1-0) fans should heed. After a dominant performance against East Hardy last Friday, the Rams face a familiar foe: the Stonewall Jackson Generals (0-1). While a depleted Stonewall was soundly defeated by Clarke County, the Generals of Mount Jackson will undoubtedly pose a formidable challenge. With not only a regular season win but also Shenandoah County bragging rights on the line, both rivals will bring their best to the field.
Stonewall faced numerous obstacles during the offseason. Graduation took its toll, and the team also lost a key running back to transfer and several players who decided not to return.
The Generals graduated quarterback Josh Donald, top receiver Clint Deskins, and starting running back Josh Helsley. Donald and Deskins also anchored one half of Stonewall’s secondary. Andy Viola, a formidable linebacker, transferred to Moorefield, West Virginia. Additionally, starting tailback Jake Jones and all-district lineman Donnie Mace opted out of the season. However, Head Coach Dick Krol refuses to make excuses. He has assembled a team primarily composed of players from the 2002 junior varsity squad.
The Generals do have some experienced veterans returning. All-district lineman Wesley Stout is a key player. Standing at 6-3 and weighing 258 pounds, Stout provides a significant physical presence and anchors the offensive line at tackle. Thomas Long, a 6-5 tight end, also returns for his senior year.
Against Clarke County, Stonewall utilized two quarterbacks. Senior James Pedigo (5-8, 135) started but moved to running back in the second half. From that position, Pedigo rushed for 139 yards on 11 attempts (12.6 average), including touchdown runs of 83 and 1 yards. Fellow running backs Luis Perez (5-10, 174) and Richard Long (6-1, 168) contributed 27 and 25 rushing yards, respectively.
While Pedigo excelled on the ground, sophomore Patrick Smoot (6-2, 155) took over at quarterback. Both quarterbacks combined for 0-5 passing and an interception. The team finished with a total of 215 yards, significantly lower than their 347-yard average from the previous year.
Defensively, the team struggled. The defensive line, featuring starters Johnny Thomas (6-1, 168) and Thomas Long at the ends, Stout and sophomore Andrew Presgraves (5-9, 218) at the tackles, and junior Zack Fadley (5-5, 170) at nose guard, surrendered 418 total yards.
Clarke County scored all 30 of its points in the first half before substituting their players.
Pedigo was a bright spot on defense, recording 12 tackles from his defensive back position. He is joined in the backfield by Perez, senior Mike Dively (6-1, 210), and junior Brandon Farrell (5-11, 166). Luke Wilson (5-9, 164) and Carlos Delgado (5-9, 164) anchor the linebacker positions.
Stonewall is renowned for its disciplined 5-2 defense and will strive for significant improvement against Strasburg. The Rams rushed for 328 yards last week, averaging 6.3 yards per carry.
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.