BrunswickDawg
11-22-2013, 01:19 PM
Today's post is a little longer than normal....
Tonight, Elijah Staley opens his season on the hardcourt against the Lassiter Trojans . Wheeler?s boys basketball team are ranked No. 17 by MaxPreps and No. 10 in the Student Sports Fab 50. Wheeler has two juniors players ? center Daniel Giddens and forward Jaylen Brown ? who are rated as five-star recruits by Rivals.com.
Elijah should be pumped to start the season and play for a team that should contend for a State Title. Opening up against a Region foe is a little unusual. Lassiter is 1-0, but is typically a region also-ran, and the game should never be in doubt.
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Survive and advance is the goal his time of year. Nick Fitzgerald and Richmond Hill did just that on Friday in defeating #10 Thomas County Central 13-7. And as I wrote in the game thread - our big time player, made big time plays, in a big time game.
This week, Richmond Hill (10-1, 6-1) faces a big test as they travel the length of I-16 to face the #6 Warner Robins Demons (10-1, 6-1).
Warner Robins is one of the storied programs in middle GA. They have won 24 region titles since 1971, 4 State Titles - the last in 2004, and 2 "National Titles" in 1976 and 1981. Notable alumni include former GA Governor Sonny Perdue; actress Victoria Principal; and our own great Willie Blade. The 1976 team was anchored by 4 time Pro Bowl RB James Brooks and my personal favorite - FSU and WCW legend Ron Simmons at Linebacker.
Warner Robins beat Whitewater 34-27 in a shoot out in the first round. They have a balanced, potent attack that has averaged 368 ypg - 256 on the ground and 112 in the air (in south GA., this qualifies as a balanced attack because NOBODY throws the ball). Names to watch include junior Danny Hite III, who leads the team with 1076 yards rushing. Top receiver is his brother, senior Danny Hite, Jr. with 385 yards receiving. Yes, you read that right. We have a George Forman situation with the Hite family in Warner Robins, as apparently Danny Hite, Sr. keeps the naming of his progeny simple. QB Caden Johnston has 1,226 yards passing with 12 TDs and 7 INTS.
The real test might be on D as WR has only given up 258 ypg in total O. The Demons have 24 picks this season and their ball hawks are lead by sophomore Marquez Callaway who has 6 picks. Richmond Hill will need to be wary if they decide to throw. Nick will also be challenged by a D line that has only allowed an average of 88 yards on the ground per game.
The good news is Richmond Hill is familiar with the Demons, having lost to them in the first round last year 17-15 on a last minute field goal. That loss was marred by an interception, a blocked field goal, and a missed extra point. Cith a mistake free game, and RH can show that it can be right there with one of the state power teams. I am sure Nick and the team are looking for payback. Warner Robins is tough, but have shown to be beatable, and have had a pretty weak schedule. They play in a region that has two top tier teams (WR & Northside WR) and a bunch of lower tier teams that battle it out for the leftovers.
This is Richmond Hill's first 10 win season. It is the first time they have won a playoff game. I think we see Nick go big time and lead Richmond Hill into the Elite 8.
Hopefully, at the end of the night all Warner Robins can do is shake theirs heads and say.....
http://i43.tinypic.com/13yovtk.jpg
Tonight, Elijah Staley opens his season on the hardcourt against the Lassiter Trojans . Wheeler?s boys basketball team are ranked No. 17 by MaxPreps and No. 10 in the Student Sports Fab 50. Wheeler has two juniors players ? center Daniel Giddens and forward Jaylen Brown ? who are rated as five-star recruits by Rivals.com.
Elijah should be pumped to start the season and play for a team that should contend for a State Title. Opening up against a Region foe is a little unusual. Lassiter is 1-0, but is typically a region also-ran, and the game should never be in doubt.
------------
Survive and advance is the goal his time of year. Nick Fitzgerald and Richmond Hill did just that on Friday in defeating #10 Thomas County Central 13-7. And as I wrote in the game thread - our big time player, made big time plays, in a big time game.
This week, Richmond Hill (10-1, 6-1) faces a big test as they travel the length of I-16 to face the #6 Warner Robins Demons (10-1, 6-1).
Warner Robins is one of the storied programs in middle GA. They have won 24 region titles since 1971, 4 State Titles - the last in 2004, and 2 "National Titles" in 1976 and 1981. Notable alumni include former GA Governor Sonny Perdue; actress Victoria Principal; and our own great Willie Blade. The 1976 team was anchored by 4 time Pro Bowl RB James Brooks and my personal favorite - FSU and WCW legend Ron Simmons at Linebacker.
Warner Robins beat Whitewater 34-27 in a shoot out in the first round. They have a balanced, potent attack that has averaged 368 ypg - 256 on the ground and 112 in the air (in south GA., this qualifies as a balanced attack because NOBODY throws the ball). Names to watch include junior Danny Hite III, who leads the team with 1076 yards rushing. Top receiver is his brother, senior Danny Hite, Jr. with 385 yards receiving. Yes, you read that right. We have a George Forman situation with the Hite family in Warner Robins, as apparently Danny Hite, Sr. keeps the naming of his progeny simple. QB Caden Johnston has 1,226 yards passing with 12 TDs and 7 INTS.
The real test might be on D as WR has only given up 258 ypg in total O. The Demons have 24 picks this season and their ball hawks are lead by sophomore Marquez Callaway who has 6 picks. Richmond Hill will need to be wary if they decide to throw. Nick will also be challenged by a D line that has only allowed an average of 88 yards on the ground per game.
The good news is Richmond Hill is familiar with the Demons, having lost to them in the first round last year 17-15 on a last minute field goal. That loss was marred by an interception, a blocked field goal, and a missed extra point. Cith a mistake free game, and RH can show that it can be right there with one of the state power teams. I am sure Nick and the team are looking for payback. Warner Robins is tough, but have shown to be beatable, and have had a pretty weak schedule. They play in a region that has two top tier teams (WR & Northside WR) and a bunch of lower tier teams that battle it out for the leftovers.
This is Richmond Hill's first 10 win season. It is the first time they have won a playoff game. I think we see Nick go big time and lead Richmond Hill into the Elite 8.
Hopefully, at the end of the night all Warner Robins can do is shake theirs heads and say.....
http://i43.tinypic.com/13yovtk.jpg