by Wes Sparkmon
Through 5 games this season, FRA has been able to run roughshod over their opponents. Coming off a win over Mt. Juliet Christian, the Panthers are 5-0 (2-0) on the season behind their run-option offense. This week, FRA travels to Friendship Christian, 2-2 (1-1).
Harvin Leads Three-Headed Monster Backfield
FRA’s option offense has yielded 12 different rushers for the Panthers on the season through the first 5 games. Triggered by quarterback Spence Jones, the Panthers offense has been led by senior backs Sam Harvin, Thomas Fortune Jr., and receiver Larry Wilhoite. Harvin leads FRA with 487 yards on 45 carries and 6 touchdowns. Wilhoite is second on the team with 35 carries, 361 yards, and 5 touchdowns, while Fortune has added 205 yards on 32 carries with 6 touchdowns.
While the Panthers have ruled the ground, Spence Jones has completed 19 of 41 passes for 442 yards with 8 touchdowns and 1 interception. The Panthers aerial attack has been hampered with the injury to Eric Stoxstill-Diggs that kept FRA’s second leading receiver out during last week’s MJCA game. With Stoxstill-Diggs out, the Panthers will likely rely more on Sam Harvin, who has been their leading receiver this season with 8 receptions for 200 yards and 5 touchdowns.
Defense Looks to Take Advantage of System Familiarity
Against Friendship Christian, the Panther defense faces an option-run offense similar to FRA’s own. The Commanders are coming off a game where they were shut out by defending state champions Webb School of Knoxville, 16-0. Earlier this season, Friendship was able to put up over 300 yards rushing against BGA before the Wildcats pulled away. Against this offensive scheme, sure tackling and assignment football are a must for success. For the Panthers, Adrian Roper, Larry Wilhoite, and Thomas Fortune all have over 20 tackles on the season. From their linebacker position, Roper, Fortune, and Woody Weicker must keep their assignments in order to stop the Commanders.
For the Panthers, a fast start has been a key in their games. Resting starters has become commonplace for FRA in the second half and could be a likely outcome this week, particularly if the Panthers get out to a big lead. Friendship has been unable to mount a serious passing threat, so forcing the Commanders to pass could lead to big plays for FRA.
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