WAKEFIELD FOOTBALL
When Wakefield and Sanderson are looking for a big defensive stop in Friday's Cap-7 Conference opener, don't be surprised to see Matt Yovanovich (left) and Brandon McCain be the players stepping up to make the play.
Spartans, Wolverines kick off conference schedule Friday
Wakefield senior Alex Starnes explained the intensity and excitement leading up to Friday night's Cap-7 Conference opener against Sanderson will begin well before kickoff.
In fact, for the Wolverines and their fans, it has already started.
"You could hear it in the school, starting Monday," the Wakefield wide receiver said. "It is like the entire school knows that conference [play] is starting up. And that we're playing Sanderson. It is a big deal. It is just a different vibe, you can just feel it. You can't put it into words, but you can definitely feel it."
Fresh off a 28-7 pounding of Durham Riverside last week — all 28 points came in a stellar second half — the Wolverines ride into Friday on a wave of momentum. And its only strengthened by star junior Nigel King's recent return from injury.
With freshman QB Connor Mitch playing beyond his years, and a fierce defensive front, the Wolverines have rebounded well since a lackluster los to Holly Springs in week 2.
But Wakefield (3-2) isn't the only squad brimming with confidence entering the conference showdown.
After dropping its first four contests, Sanderson (1-4) finally played to its potential, and handed traditional powerhouse New Bern a 22-20 defeat.
It might have been a shocker to most people, but the Spartans had honestly played better than their record would indicate.
Yet, they didn't have the wins to show for it.
"There have been times in my coaching career, my team has been 0-4 and thought, 'We are an 0-4 team,'" Lewis reasoned. "But this year, I don't see us as an 0-4 team."
With both squads on the up-swing, it makes Friday's contest must-see action.
A closer look at the Spartans
If you have heard of Sanderson, most likely you already know the name Matt James, the Spartans' 6-foot-6 receiver.
He is everything you'd expect from a Division-I commit — he verbally agreed to attend Wake Forest — and once he catches the ball he's a guaranteed first down waiting to happen. Actually, opponents are fortunate when they limit him to just a first down.
Although James is athletic, talented and fun to watch, it will take more than one player to defeat the Wolverines. (Plus, I mention James later, and I don't want to overdo it.)
And fortunately for the Spartans, there are other options.
With senior Sam Bauckham quarterbacking the offense, Sanderson has an array of playmakers between Chris Lampkins, Kevin Ott and Derrick Powell.
Powell, no taller than 5-foot-7 — has the ability to embarrass would-be tacklers.
Sophomore JR Soto has also emerged in recent weeks as another option at running back.
Turnovers and miscues have plagued the Spartans this season. How bad has the Sanderson ball-control been? In a 37-7 defeat to Panther Creek, the squad handed the ball over all six second-half possessions.
Statistics like those have given the Spartan defense a bad reputation.
And Lewis traced back at least three Panther Creek's TDs to turnovers.
"I really believe our defense is under the radar because of some things we have done poorly offensively," the coach explained.
Using a six-man rotation on its defense line — led by Devonte' Watkins, Montez Hedgepath and Idrian Evans — the Spartans play an aggressive style of ball, looking to create confusion and turnovers.
Senior linebacker Brandon McCain sensed a difference in the Spartans against New Bern, and it can be traced back to a meeting leading up to the game.
"We were able to mesh as a team," he said. "In previous games, we blamed each other, but Friday we were encouraging each other."
Added Powell, "We're more positive. We feel like a family now. We are a lot more confident."
A closer look at the Wolverines
Well, this isn't the same spread'em-out-and-chuck-it Wakefield team that lead nearly every offensive passing stat in the Triangle last week.
Gone are former QB Drew Wilkinson as well as much of the receiving corps, but in their place returns a more balanced attack.
Although sophomore RB Courtney Crews won't be available because of a hand injury, Denzel Brown and Terrance Scott have both shown the skills to pound the rock.
The Wakefield offensive line — although slowed by injuries — has the potential to be physical and dominating. Expect Michael Sabb, Michael Gubbins and Lawrence Keys to put together a solid night. Junior Josh Winstead — a convert defensive lineman — will also see time on that side of the ball.
As mentioned before, King returns to the wideouts, but this isn't a one-man unit. Trip Foreman, David Gibson and Starnes make up a talented group, all capable of taking it the distance.
Friday night will be freshman QB Connor Mitch's fourth career varsity start, but Starnes explained you wouldn't know it by how the ninth-grader carries himself.
"He doesn't seem three years younger than most of us," the senior said. "He just fits right in. He came in and never missed a beat. Very calm, doesn't let things get to him. When he gets hit, he gets right back up."
Starnes said the squads' execution in practice has improved in recent weeks, and it's carried over to their games.
Defensively, the Wolverines play three down linemen, stretching Matt Yovanovich, Will Butler and Moises Ramirez across the front. All three are athletic and quick to the ball.
Likewise, Wakefield's linebackers, led by senior Darius Brown, utilize speed to make tackles.
On special teams, Yovanovich has displayed a knack for making the big play, blocking a punt against Knightdale and returning another against Riverside.
"We just need to put all four quarters together," Winstead said. "Our defense is really stopping people. Offensively, we still need to get into our groove. But we put up 28 points in two quarters [Friday]. Imagine if we could play like that for a whole game?
Match-up to watch — King/James
They won't be lined up against one another, but James and King — the game's two ultra-talented receivers — will be the reason most people will pay admission Friday night.
Having compiled gaudy numbers already this season, James has further established himself as one of the area's top offensive threats.
On the other side, King wasn't available in Wakefield's first four games, and has just one game under this belt in 2009.
But King showed little rust in his first game back, halting in a touchdown pass against the Pirates last week.
Expect both players to thrive in the competition.
Quotables
"It is a big win for them. It is a definitely a big confidence boost — especially beating New Bern.That's why you can't count them out, you have to play hard every single play."
— Wakefield's Alex Starnes, discussing Sanderson's win against the Bears last week.
Two key players to watch — let's call them X-factors
August Jones
Last week, Jones returned an interception for a late touchdown. Another score this week against Wakefield would be huge, and it would take some pressure off the Spartans' offense.
The entire Sanderson secondary will have its hands full keeping the Wakefield attack under wraps Friday. And if they can, Jones will be a big part.
Trip Foreman
With King drawing most of the attention, look for this track speedster to break out on his own. Having already proved he's a threat early this season, keep you eyes on No. 83. Foreman put together an outstanding off-season, so all that hard work should play off during the next six weeks.
