As published on Recruit757.com
Grafton (4-2) at Warhill (0-5), Friday 7 PM, Wanner Stadium (Williamsburg)
#3 Collin Bright and #2 Ryan Creecy in the Warhill backfield (Photo: Andy Hilton/recruit757)
Friday night’s game at Wanner Stadium features a deceptive match up. A cursory glance at each team’s record would suggest that the Clippers are the likely favorite. However, after last week’s games, it is hard to disqualify Warhill as an opponent, and the Lions promise to be tough playing in their backyard.
Both teams lost last week, but may have gained a dose of confidence from their efforts. Grafton, a squad getting ready for playoff action, took undefeated Lafayette to the hilt, trailing only 30-28 with two minutes remaining before Caleb Kraegenbrink’s 20-yard sweep for a touchdown sealed the 37-28 victory for the Rams.
On the other sideline will be Warhill, a team that is winless at their midpoint of the season, but one that was ahead of (5-1) Poquoson by a score of 16-0 entering the fourth quarter of their game last week. Eventually, it took the Islanders two overtimes to win 19-16 on a 19-yard field goal from Chris Coccimiglio.
Last year, Grafton escaped with a 14-6 win against Warhill, and the result could be as close this year. In spite of having no Bay Rivers district top-five offensive leaders, the Clippers are a team with weapons. Quarterback D.J. Dobbins leads an offense that features running back Trevaun Walker and receiver Demetrius Moore, who caught, and threw for a touchdown (to Dobbins) last week. Grafton also features a strong special teams unit. Ryan Pabon returned one Lafayette kickoff for an 85-yard touchdown last week, and kicker Reed King is arguably the best in the Bay Rivers.
But Warhill is finding their offense. Their attack stems from the run, namely in the form of Collin Bright (651 yards, 7 TD’s), and junior Bryce Koob (110 yards rushing and touchdown against Lafayette). They also found a rising star on defense last week, as freshman linebacker Noah Holmes registered four sacks for the Lions.
Grafton needs this win in order to continue their bid to secure a first-round playoff game. Currently, the Clippers are tied with Denbigh for the fourth (and last home game) spot in the 4A East rankings. But, Denbigh will square off against 6A Woodside on Saturday, so it will take a win for Grafton over 3A Warhill, coupled with a Denbigh loss, in order for Grafton to gain sole possession of fourth.
One final side note – Friday’s game features Grafton coach Matt McLeod, a former linebacker coach at William and Mary clashing with Warhill coach Thad Wheeler, one of his former Tribe linebackers.
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