Homecoming game brings new challenges for B-A

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Ali Wagner

B-A’s line, led by seniors like Jack Showalter, has been strong this season.

Colin McCaulley, Sports Writer

Tonight at Memorial Stadium the Blue Devils look to stay undefeated against a 1-4 Williamsburg Blue Pirates team on Homecoming night.

Williamsburg’s only win came against a winless Tussey Mountain team last Friday night. Surely Bellwood-Antis would be opening as a big favorite in Las Vegas this week.

We have to communicate with each other and make sure we aren’t watching the backfield.

— Ian McFarland

Williamsburg does however have one bright spot and that is their Quarterback Rashadd Knorr. Knorr had a big game last week with 3 completions for 115 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also picked up 90-yards rushing on 8 carries and another touchdown.

The linebackers are going to have to step into the holes and stuff Knorr when he starts to scramble out of the pocket. Senior linebacker Eric Morder talked about how he plans to contain Rashadd Knorr this week: “ Keep the receivers locked down, and have an effective pass rush. I have to step up and make the tackle when Knorr starts to scramble.”

Knorr also has a half decent arm so the cornerbacks are going to have to “recover” after letting up a 15-yard touchdown pass in last week’s game.

Senior corner and interceptions leader Ian McFarland talked about how he plans to stop the passing attack this week and add to his interception total.

“We have to communicate with each other and make sure we aren’t watching the backfield. I need to keep my man in front of me and stay focused on my key,” Ian said.

Last week Bellwood-Antis marched right over Moshannon Valley 48-6 in a game that would resemble that of the New England Patriots against the Saint Francis Red Flash. Bellwood-Antis in all honesty has been one of the strongest teams in the ICC this season and hopes to keep their perfect record tonight at home.

Led by junior quarterback Shawn Wolfe, B-A has shown exceptional balance despite using a first-year sophomore as the signal caller. Wolfe has completed 26 of 38 passes for more than 500 yards, while he and Thor Schmittle have fronted the ground attack. Shawn has run for 299 yards while Schmittle is nearing 450.

Overall, the Devils are passing for 110 yards per game and rushing for 274.

Though Bellwood-Antis is the strong favorite tonight, they have to stay focused on stopping Williamsburg’s key threat and that is in the quarterback.

Perhaps the best competition will come at half time during the Homecoming ceremony when the 2017 Homecoming Queen is crowned.

Come out and support your Homecoming court tonight at Memorial Stadium at 7 o’clock.