Game of the Week Year in Division II-A
Franklin Road Academy and Battle Ground Academy are both in the playoffs, so technically this game is mostly about bragging rights.
On the other hand, this is the kind of game that high school football is all about. Seeding is at stake for BGA, and a perfect season for FRA. Not to mention this is very possibly a preview of the State Championship game.
What it comes down to is two of the best, most explosive teams in Division II-A squaring off against each other in the last game of the year.
We have undefeated and first place FRA in navy and white. And in the other corner we have BGA, in royal and grey, able to beat anybody on any night. On the night before Halloween, at BGA this Friday at 7:00 p.m., we are in for a treat.
Check out our Live Scoreboard for all Williamson County Friday night action.
BGA All About Offense
The Wildcats lost two of the last three before having last week off. Both were surprising losses considering BGA’s high-powered offense. After averaging 28 points in their first six games, BGA scored its season low against Davidson in a 17-7 loss in the first week of October. The next week the Wildcat offense roared back, but Webb did too, as BGA lost 35-28. Things went back to normal two weeks ago, when they beat Ezell by a ton. But before those two losses BGA looked unbeatable. If they play their best football, at any rate, they nearly are.
Quarterback Clayton Beathard runs coach Roc Batten’s show. He has put in an award-worthy season, throwing for 2160 yards, 22 touchdowns and just 8 interceptions this year. If he is connecting with All-World receiver Marcus Cawthorne, who has 33 catches for 735 yards and 11 touchdowns this year, watch out FRA.
FRA Has Monsters in the Backfield
The Panthers have won everything this year. They have not lost, and have had only two close games all year.
FRA was on a bye last week. But the week before they played one of their toughest games of the year, beating Davidson 31-28. But still, the Panthers have not scored less than 30 points in a game all season, and put up at least 40 points five times. Coach Bill Whittemore has so much talent at the skill positions that it is tricky to tell where the hammer is going to fall.
Sam Harvin is the most versatile tool FRA uses. He can run, catch and even pass. Harvin has 641 yards from scrimmage and 8 touchdowns on 54 touches this year (240 receiving, 402 rushing). He is a home run in waiting- averaging 27 yards per catch and scoring a touchdown every other reception (9 catches, 5 receiving touchdowns).
FRA starts double-threat Spence Jones at quarterback. He has thrown for 600 yards and 11 touchdowns while running for 245 yards and 3 more scores. Larry Wilhoite leads the team with 540 yards rushing and 8 touchdowns, but Thomas Fortune has been a touchdown and short-yardage specialist, scoring 9 touchdowns on 49 carries.
This game will probably go 15 rounds.Whichever team lands the last punch will get the knockout. But getting their should be a treat to watch.
