PREP FOOTBALL GAME OF THE WEEK: Varina at GW

Varina Blue Devils (0-0) at George Washington Eagles (0-0)

3 KEYS TO VICTORY: Varina

Don’t let David Wilson single-handedly win the game
Varina coach Stu Brown knows that GW will look to get the ball in the hands of David Wilson as often as possible — through the running game, passing game and on special teams. Since this is also the first game for the Blue Devils — their practices have been against their power-spread offense — it will be a wake-up call to the true power running of the Eagles.

Stop the running game
The Eagles have the ability with Wilson, Tahron Goods and Co. to control the clock with the running game. Varina wants its offense on the field as much as possible to make sure the defense is not worn down by the fourth quarter, and if GW can keep getting first downs, the Blue Devil offense will be relegated to the sidelines.

Winning up front on the offensive and defensive lines
Varina’s power-spread offense combines the best of the power running attack and a wide-open run-and-gun style. However, coach Brown emphasized that the game will be won in the trenches by the line that dictates the tempo and style of the game. Both teams are known for running the ball, so it will come down to which team is able to throw the ball and stop what the other team runs best, according to Brown.
— Damien Sordelett

3 KEYS TO VICTORY: George Washington

Use the running game to chew up the clock
Virginia Tech recruit David Wilson and fullback Tahron Goods are the most experienced returning starters on the offensive side of the ball and GW’s most dangerous weapons. While it’s not uncommon for Wilson to score from anywhere on the field — and GW coach Dan Newell probably won’t complain if he does — it might better serve the Eagles to control the clock by taking smaller chunks of yardage and piling up first downs.

Play some solid defense
GW’s defense, which lost eight starters from a year ago, didn’t look so hot in the Pepsi Football Jamboree last week, when Western Branch and Thomas Dale seemingly scored at will. It’ll be important for the Eagles, both from a scoring and confidence standpoint, to get off the field and put the ball back in the hands of their offense.

Just boot it
Special teams are a strength for the Eagles this year, as GW sees Zach Smith return for his second year as the kicker and Patrick Clifton, who also holds for kicks and will line up at wideout, enters his third season punting. Newell admits that his squad will likely rely on kicking field goals more than it has in the past couple of years.
— Jason Wolf