Falcons Soaring High: Can Rams Slow Them Down?

After already matching their win total of last year, Strasburg (3-1, 0-0 Bull Run) continues their season against Shenandoah County rival Central High School. The Falcons, winners of 12 of their last 14 games, will be trying to extend their 3-0 record this year. Central handily beat Madison County 31-0 last week and have out scored their three opponents by a combined score of 86-36; claiming wins over private school Randolph Macon (41-27) and Group A Mathews (14-9).

Coach: Greg Hatfield (5th year, 21-23-0).

Mascot: Falcons.

Enrollment: 683.

Classification: Group A, Division 2, Region B.

2003 Record: 9-2.

Current Record: 3-0.

Points Scored: 86.

Points Against: 39.

Offense: Spread.

Defense: 4-4.

Key Returnees: OL Devin Alexander, OL Daniel Logan, RB Brandon Pence, WR Justin Stickley.

Key Losses: LB Clint Bishop, RB Mark Capansky, WR Brad Carter, QB Brandon Foltz, TE Cory Runyon.

Quick Hits: Central has only beaten Strasburg twice since 1980, but both of those victories have come in the past five years; a 7-3 win in 2000 and last year’s 13-0 win at Ram Stadium. … While only four games into the season, freshman Josh Kibler’s five touchdowns have already tied him with last year’s leading scorers, Aaron Barnes and Josh Wilkins. … This will be the last year the Falcons will be playing in Group A until at least 2008. Beginning next year Central joins Group AA Northwestern District. … The game will be broadcast by Retro Radio starting at 7:20, on AM-1230/AM-790 and online at www.radioshenandoah.com.