Linsly has yet to oppose a school from West Virginia this season. Its first time doing so comes at 7 p.m. Friday in the form of a matchup with Class AAAA No. 3 University, which boasts the state’s second-highest scoring offense and the No. 1 scoring offense among Class 4A teams by a wide margin.
The Cadets (2-2) battle the Hawks (5-0) in the MetroNews Television Game of the Week from Mylan Pharmaceuticals Stadium, and pregame coverage starts at 6:30 p.m.
WATCH LINSLY @ UNIVERSITY ON METRONEWS TV
Three keys to watch for in the first meeting between the two programs:
- All three phases
Much has rightfully been made about University’s quick-strike ability to put points on the scoreboard and rightfully so seeing as the Hawks enter this contest averaging 57.8 points per game and having scored at least 56 in four straight.
But the UHS defense has also displayed noticeable improvement since a 76-50 Week 2 win at Parkersburg South, evidenced by the unit allowing a total of 21 points across three games since.
Combined with solid special teams play that has often created a significant field position for the Hawks, it’s difficult to pinpoint a specific weakness the team has shown up until this point.
Having won back-to-back games by a combined four points since an 0-2 start, Linsly will need to make UHS earn everything it gets and do its part to control the tempo.
- Momentum swings
This is something the Cadets have dealt with on a fairly regular basis over the first month of the season. Having lost twice by a combined margin of 83 points over its first two games, Linsly struggled to generate momentum during losses to Girard and Steubenville, a pair of Ohio teams with a combined record of 11-1.
But a 32-29 win at St. Clarksville, combined with last week’s 21-20 victory against Mogdaore, has done plenty to change the trajectory of a season that got off to a discouraging start.
With the Cadets more confident after producing better results, how will the improved play translate trying to slow down a balanced and potent University offense?
Linsly must be able to move past negative plays and big ones the Hawks will inevitably produce.
- Stay disciplined
University is fresh off an emotional 56-14 win against Fairmont Senior in a contest marred by penalties and contentiousness between both sides.
With no team having proven they can slow the Hawks, University must display enough maturity to ensure it’s not its own worst enemy.
Linsly is a unique opponent. The Cadets are not affiliated with the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission and the majority of the Wheeling-based boarding school’s schedule is out-of-state competition.
But make no mistake that Linsly would like nothing more than to get on the plus side of .500 for the first time this year and hand the Hawks their first setback. Being the more disciplined team would aid the Cadets in their quest to achieve that.