By C.J. Ricker
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — It’s a top five showdown in Class AAA on Friday night in the regular season finale as No. 3 Capital is at No. 5 George Washington. At the beginning of the season, the Cougars were expected to be ranked highly coming into this matchup. Questions loomed, however, for the Patriots.
With the George Washington (8-1) losing three stars on the offensive side of the ball (running back Ryan Switzer, full back Dustin Crouser, and tight end/receiver Jordan Clay) from a team that advanced to the Class AAA semifinals last season, head coach Steve Edwards Jr. admittedly didn’t know what to expect out of his squad in 2013.
“We had people that were wondering what we were going to do and so were we,” Edwards Jr. said. “But we’ve had a good run and had a lot of kids step forward for us to make it a real enjoyable trip so far.”
There has been little drop off in the backfield production, even with the loss of Switzer, a two-time Kennedy Award winner, as George Washington has two one-thousand yard rushers this year. Draven Riffe put up almost 1,400 yards before going down with an injury, and his back-up Jacob Jackson has filed in admirably. Jackson has compiled over 1,200 yards on the ground this year, including over 300 yards last week against Ripley.
“He’s done a fantastic job, he’s been waiting his turn,” Edwards Jr. said. “It may surprise other people, but not me. I knew what he was capable of doing, it’s a credit to him, his character and his preparation for the season.”
Overall, George Washington heads into this week putting up 47.5 points per game, including a season-high 69 points against Riverside.
“It’s really been a blessing,” Edwards Jr. said. “Our kids have done a great job of executing game plans and our offensive line has been one of the biggest surprises in years, they’ve opened up holes and given us two one-thousand yard rushers.”
George Washington will look to avenge one of its three defeats last year as the Patriots were beat down by Capital, 35-13. If the Patriots are going to pull off the win, they’ll have to find a way to contain sophomore Cougars’ quarterback Tyrhee Pratt who has thrown for over 1,400 yards and 13 touchdowns on the season.
“They have so much speed and talent and do a great job of making you defend the whole field,” Edwards Jr. said. “Our kids are going to have to step up to the challenge.”
The winner of Friday’s battle between the two rivals will likely finish third in Class AAA, securing two home playoff games.