RamPage

An unofficial archive of Strasburg sports.

Tag: Game Preview

  • 2004 Football Playoffs: Stonewall Jackson

    2004 Football Playoffs: Stonewall Jackson

    Strasburg Rams Prepare for Rematch with Stonewall Jackson

    Offense: In recent weeks, the Rams’ offense has been inconsistent. Last week’s performance was Strasburg’s worst in terms of yardage and points this season. George Mason’s defense, aided by heavy rain and three Ram turnovers, limited Strasburg’s rushing attack to 115 yards. The previous week, against Clarke County, Parker Neal threw for a season-high 211 yards. Neal has nearly doubled his passing yards from the 2003 season, adding a crucial dimension to the offense. This balance has enabled Strasburg to score significantly, including 48 points against Massanutten Military Academy and 39 against Page County. In contrast, the Generals have scored a season-high of 38 points twice.

    In the 22-6 win against Stonewall Jackson earlier this season, the Rams gained 223 total yards. Four Strasburg players rushed for 25 yards or more, with senior Brian Blevins leading the team with 50 yards on 12 carries. Since then, two freshman running backs have emerged: Josh Kibler and Tim Rodrigues have combined for over a thousand rushing yards and 18 touchdowns.

    Defense: Like the offense, Strasburg’s defense has recently faced challenges. Key suspensions have impacted the team, leading to a season-high 42 points allowed against Clarke County. They rebounded against George Mason, allowing only 9 points but still yielding 258 rushing yards.

    In their seven wins, Strasburg has held opponents to a total of 49 points, including two shutouts. The Rams have performed better against run-oriented teams. Against East Hardy, Stonewall Jackson, Page County, and George Mason, Strasburg allowed an average of only 7.0 points per game, compared to a 22.6 average against more balanced offensive squads.

    History: The Rams and Generals previously met on September 10th, with Strasburg winning 22-6. However, turnovers and penalties prevented the Rams from achieving a larger margin of victory. Many coaches emphasize the difficulty of beating a team twice in a season. A prime example is the 1996 season when, after defeating the Generals 38-18, Strasburg lost 21-8 in the Region B championship game. This was the first of the Rams’ postseason losses to Stonewall, followed by another Region B championship loss in overtime in 1999. Since 1996, the Shenandoah County rivals have met 11 times, with the Generals holding a slight 6-5 edge.

    Home Field Advantage: Excluding the 2003 season, which appears to be an outlier, Strasburg achieved a 22-3 record at Ram Stadium during the regular seasons from 1998 to 2002. Eight of these 24 wins were shutouts, with the Rams averaging a 26-12 point margin per game. Importantly, during those years, Strasburg boasted a 4-1 record in home playoff games.

    Game Notes

    Coach: Dick Krol (18th year, 103-88-0).

    Mascot: Generals.

    Enrollment: 468.

    Classification: Group A, Division 1, Region B.

    2003 Record: 3-7.

    Current Record: 8-2.

    Points Scored: 219.

    Points Against: 158.

    Offense: Power I.

    Defense: 5-2.

    Key Returnees: RB/LB Carlos Delgado, RB/LB Richard Long, QB/DB Patrick Smoot, OL/DL Wes Stout.

    Key Losses: TE/DE Mike Divey, TE/DE Thomas Long, RB/DB James Pedigo, WR/DB Luiz Perez.

    Quick Hits: Beginning at 7:20, the game will be broadcast by Retro Radio, on AM-1230/AM-790 and online at www.radioshenandoah.com.

  • Football: 2004 Clarke County Game Notes

    Football: 2004 Clarke County Game Notes

    Can Strasburg Contain Liggins?

    Strasburg (6-2, 1-1 Bull Run) gets back into action this week when they face Clarke County in Berryville. The Eagles are coming off a 34-21 dissapointing loss from the hands of George Mason, a team the Rams will play next week. To improve upon back-to-back 5-5 seasons, Clarke will need to be victorious in their remaining two games. Leading the charge for them is junior runningback Lee Liggins. Liggins leads the area in rushing, and is second in scoring. Last year he had a breakout game against Strasburg, scoring three of his team’s four touchdowns.

    Coach: Chris Parker (5th year, 18-30-0).

    Mascot: Eagles.

    Enrollment: 619.

    Classification: Group A, Division 2, Region B.

    2003 Record: 5-5, 1-3 Bull Run.

    Current Record: 4-4.

    Points Scored: 186.

    Points Against: 156.

    Offense: Wing-T.

    Defense: 4-4.

    Key Returnees: RB Kevin Bell, WR, Danny Hardesty, WR, Mike Hill, RB Lee Liggins, OL Jared McDonald, QB Stacey Poston, FB Kevin Welsh.

    Key Losses: DL Josh Brown, OL Denny Fuller, TE Brian Mercke, OL Dustin Walker.

    Quick Hits: Clarke County coach Chris Parker is 1-3 all-time against Strasburg, with his only victory coming last year. During those four games against the Rams the Eagles were outscored 114 to 42. … After Stonewall Jackson and William Campbell were handed their second losses, Strasburg was left sitting alone as the top seed of Region B, Division 1. The number one position guarantees home-field advantage throughout the regional playoffs. Another Ram win would solidify the spot, while two would ensure it. … Strasburg has used a powerful running game to mow down opponents this year, but just as punishing has been the Rams’ defense. In their six wins, Strasburg has had two shutouts and not allowed more than 14 points. Altogether they have given up only 40 points, a 6.67 average in those victories.

  • Football: 2004 Madison County Game Notes

    Football: 2004 Madison County Game Notes

    Rams Aim to Extend Dominance Over Madison County

    Strasburg (5-2, 0-1 Bull Run) completed its out of district schedule with its 48-0 drubbing of Massanutten Military Academy last week, and now will be thrown into the thick of Bull Run play. With the subtle change in the way playoff teams are seeded this year (district champions are no longer seeded first, instead teams are ordered by VHSL ratings) district titles mean much less, but netherless the Rams remain at the bottom of the standings with an 0-1 record. Strasburg will try to put a notch in the win column when they visit Madison County (2-4, 0-1 Bull Run) Friday evening. The Mountaineers are coming off a much needed bye week, after being beaten 27-6 against George Mason on October 15. To their credit Madison County upset perennial playoff team Bath County 23-8 early this season, and will be looking to do the against the same Rams.

    Coach: Eddie Dean (38th year, 306-127-4).

    Mascot: Mountaineers.

    Enrollment: 613.

    Classification: Group A, Division 2, Region B.

    2003 Record: 3-7.

    Current Record: 2-4.

    Points Scored: 71.

    Points Against: 145.

    Offense: Pro-set.

    Defense: 4-4.

    Key Returnees: LB Shane Conlon, DE Frank Ellis, DB Mike Foster, DL Tommy Fraizer, WR Joe Greene, DB Scott Morse, LB James Webb, WR Trevor Yowell.

    Key Losses: G Andrew Hawkins, DL Andy Oktayuren, C Jeff Shifflet, G Tim Woodward.

    Quick Hits: Since a 1999 loss against the Mountaineers, Strasburg has reeled off four straight series wins, outscoring Madison County 110 to 28 during that time. The Mountaineers are the only Bull Run team to have won a state championship in football. In fact they are three time champions, winning in 1973, 1976, and 1999. … Head coaches Glenn Proctor and Eddie Dean have combined for 592 wins, 279 losses, and 11 ties in their careers.

  • Football: 2004 MMA Game Notes

    Football: 2004 MMA Game Notes

    Rams Look to Dominate MMA Once Again

    Strasburg (4-2, 0-1 Bull Run) will finish off its out-of-disctrict schedule when they host Massanutten Military Academy Friday evening. The Rams will try to regroup after dropping their second loss of the season against Manassas Park. The Colonels, just like the Rams have faced their fair share of diversity lately, losing the past two games they have played. MMA had been on a roll, cruising by Quantico, Fishburne, and Colonial Beach and receiving a forth place ranking among private schools. Since then the Colonels were blown out 42-6 by Blessed Sacrament Academy, and allowed Roanake Catholic squeak by with a one point win.

    Coach: Mike Yew (2nd year, 5-9-0).

    Mascot: Colonels.

    Enrollment: 150.

    Classification: VISFA, Division 1.

    2003 Record: 2-7.

    Current Record: 3-2.

    Points Scored: 104.

    Points Against: 90.

    Offense: Multiple sets.

    Defense: 4-4.

    Key Returnees: DE Matt Albright, OL Shaun Bryant, TE Devon Lewis, RB Zack Mondres, OL Yohel Sakimoto, OL Alexander Willauer.

    Key Losses: WR Jonathan Colon, C Terrell Galloway, WR Robert Paniaqua, LB Jeff Schmitt.

    Quick Hits: Of the three wins the Rams had last year, one was against the Colonels. In week six Strasburg pummeled MMA 47-0. … Runningback Josh Kibler continues to lead the area schools in scoring, putting up 54 points. The freshman sensation has eight rushing touchdowns, and one receiving. … One quiet contributor on defense has been lineman Bryan Strejcek. The senior has racked up 25 tackles, third best on the team, and is the sack leader with three.

  • Football: 2004 Manassas Park Game Notes

    Football: 2004 Manassas Park Game Notes

    Will Terrell and the Cougars Prove Too Much for the Rams?

    After a surprising win last week versus Central, Strasburg (4-1, 0-0 Bull Run) opens Bull Run district play against the biggest hurdle remaining on its schedule, Manassas Park. The 5-0 Cougars are ranked 6th in Group A by Associated Press voters, and are led by third year starting quarterback Zach Terrell. Terrell has already amassed over 1500 yards passing and rushing, and accounted for 22 touchdowns. He along with his favorite targets, senior wide receivers Joe Greene and A.C. Fitchett, power an offense that has averaged 33 points a game. Their defense has been just as spectacular, allowing just 10.2 points per game.

    Coach: Jeff Lloyd (7th year, 50-21-0).

    Mascot: Cougars.

    Enrollment: 613.

    Classification: Group A, Division 2, Region B.

    2003 Record: 12-1.

    Current Record: 5-0.

    Points Scored: 165.

    Points Against: 51.

    Offense: Spread.

    Defense: 4-4.

    Key Returnees: WR A.C. Fitchett, WR Joe Green, OL Bucky Griffen, C Anthony Van Kuren, QB Zack Terrell.

    Key Losses: DL Larry Beatty, WR Ivan Fitchett, T Howard Mighty, DB Reggie Rigaud, RB Michael Roberts, G Sam Wright.

    Quick Hits: In the last nine meetings between the two teams, Strasburg holds a 7-2 record, outscoring the Cougars 231 to 104. … Manassas Park’s last regular season loss was to the Rams, a 14-0 defeat on October 4, 2002. The game will be broadcast by Retro Radio starting at 7:20, on AM-1230/AM-790 and online at www.radioshenandoah.com.

  • Football: 2004 Central Game Notes

    Football: 2004 Central Game Notes

    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.

  • Football: 2004 Page County Game Notes

    Football: 2004 Page County Game Notes

    Rams Face Quick Turnaround Against Page

    After losing Monday’s rescheduled game versus Handley, Strasburg (2-1, 0-0 Bull Run) has had only three days to prepare for an away matchup against Page County. The Panthers are 1-1 on the season; defeating James River earlier in the year and then getting torched 55-0 by Manassas Park last Thursday. A refreshed and regrouped Page will be vying for their second straight win over the Rams after a 38-35 last minute victory during the 2003 season.

    Coach: Barry Pangle (4th year, 7-25-0).

    Mascot: Panthers.

    Enrollment: 676.

    Classification: Group A, Division 1, Region B.

    2003 Record: 1-9.

    Current Record: 1-1.

    Points Scored: 21.

    Points Against: 75.

    Offense: Double Wing.

    Defense: 4-4.

    Key Returnees: QB Wesley Meadows.

    Key Losses: RB Rusty Breeden, WR Brandon Comer, FB Josh Turner.

    Quick Hits: Page County’s only win of the 2003 season came against Strasburg. It was their first against the Rams since 1994. … Young guns: Though only freshman, running backs Josh Kibler and Tim Rodriques have already made big marks on the team. The dynamic duo lead the team in scoring, with 18 and 12 points apiece in three games. Verses Handley, Rodriques has a break out game, rushing for 95 on six carries and catching one pass for 19 yards.

  • Football: 2004 Handley Game Notes

    Football: 2004 Handley Game Notes

    Rams Face Tough Test Against Handley

    After soundly defeating their first two opponents of the young season, Strasburg (2-0, 0-0 Bull Run) encounters a formidable foe in Group AA Handley (0-1). Even though the Judges lost 18 starters from last year’s playoff squad, they played Valley District favorite Harrisonburg to the wire before eventually losing, 6 to 7 last Saturday. The Rams’ will be looking for some revenge after being thoroughly embarrassed 53-0 last year at the Handley Bowl.

    Coach: Tony Rayburn (3rd year, 16-6-0).

    Mascot: Judges.

    Enrollment: 1005.

    Classification: Group AA, Division 3, Region II.

    2003 Record: 9-2.

    Current Record: 0-1.

    Points Scored: 6.

    Points Against: 7.

    Offense: Shotgun.

    Defense: 4-3, 5-2.

    Key Returnees: QB/DB L.A. Anderson, WR/DB Tyler Carroll, OL/DL, Andy Rennie, RB/LB Josh Thompson.

    Key Losses: WR/DB Johnny Gilkerson, RB/LB Mike Lee, QB Josh Verts, OL/DL Lucas Wadsworth, WR/DB Patrick Wingfield.

    Quick Hits: Fast starters? The Rams have scored 27 of their 46 points in the first quarter of their two games, while only putting up six in two second halves. … Strasburg’s all-time record against Handley is 1-2, with the Judges outscoring the Rams 102 to 42 in those games. … Beginning at 7:20, the game will be broadcast by Retro Radio, on AM-1230/AM-790 and online at www.radioshenandoah.com.

  • Football: 2004 Stonewall Game Notes

    Football: 2004 Stonewall Game Notes

    Strasburg Looks to Defend Home Turf

    After last week’s 24-0 victory over East Hardy, Strasburg will begin defense of their home turf against county rival Stonewall Jackson. The Generals are coming off an impressive 30-29 overtime win against Clarke County. In the past 10 meetings between the teams Stonewall holds a 4-6 advantage, including a 20-7 win over the Rams in Quicksburg last year.

    Coach: Dick Krol (18th year, 96-86-0).

    Mascot: Generals.

    Enrollment: 468.

    Classification: Group A, Division 1, Region B.

    2003 Record: 3-7.

    Current Record: 1-0.

    Points Scored: 30.

    Points Against: 29.

    Offense: Power I.

    Defense: 5-2.

    Key Returnees: RB/LB Carlos Delgado, RB/LB Richard Long, QB/DB Patrick Smoot, OL/DL Wes Stout.

    Key Losses: TE/DE Mike Divey, TE/DE Thomas Long, RB/DB James Pedigo, WR/DB Luiz Perez.

    Quick Hits: Last weeks opening season win gives Strasburg 24 in a row, dating back to 1980. … The Rams have not had back-to-back shutout wins since 2002, when they defeated Central and Manassas Park in consecutive weeks. … Strasburg and Stonewall combined for seven lost fumbles in their respective games last week. … Beginning at 7:20, the game will be broadcast by Retro Radio, on AM-1230/AM-790 and online at www.radioshenandoah.com.

  • Football: 2004 East Hardy Game Notes

    Football: 2004 East Hardy Game Notes

    Rams Open Season Against East Hardy

    Coach: Leon Franklin (1st year, 1-0-0).

    Mascot: Cougars.

    Enrollment: 241.

    Classification: Group A, WVA.

    2003 Record: 2-8.

    Current Record: 1-0.

    Points Scored: N/A.

    Points Against: N/A.

    Offense: N/A.

    Defense: N/A.

    Key Returnees: QB Jacob Hackett, RB Alex Foltz.

    Key Losses: RB Daniel Sine, OL Mickey Jenks.

    Quick Hits: Graduated East Hardy RB Daniel Sine, accounted for 126 of the Cougars 330 total yards in last year’s game. … Strasburg has not lost a season opener in 23 straight attempts. … Since 1997 the Rams have outscored East Hardy 246 to 86, and never scored below 27 points in a game. … Glenn Proctor begins the season with a 281-150-7 coaching record.