Raiders look to ground Shady Spring

By JONATHAN GREENE

Bluefield Daily Telegraph

BRADSHAW — Last week, the River View Raiders made school history with their first playoff victory.

Now, the second-year school is looking to add to it when the Raiders visit second-seeded Shady Spring tonight.

Both teams won their first round contests with the Tigers holding off No. 16 Scott 34-22 and River View storming back for a 28-23 victory over No. 7 Ravenswood.

“No doubt, it was a story booking end,” River View head coach Mitch Estep said of the comeback win. “The defense makes a stand holding them to a field goal then the offense runs the clock down and we were able to score with a couple big plays. I was glad to have the margin of victory on our side.

That’s something we’ve worked for the last couple years. I was real proud we were able to win. That win was huge for our program and huge for kids, the school and community.”

After defeating the Class AA runner-up Red Devils, the Raiders will get a chance to knock off a very talented and unbeaten Shady Spring squad.

“It doesn’t matter what their record is — they’re just so well balanced,” Estep said. “They do multiple things well. They’re not one dimensional.

“They throw the ball effectively, but also run the ball well. Defensively, they’re physical and aggressive. Their special teams are well prepared. It’s hard to expose a weakness.”

The Tigers have yet to allow a team score more than the 22 points Scott put up last week and have been held to under 30 points just once in a game.

“The biggest thing is they have so many ways they can hurt us,” Estep said. “They have a well-balanced offense and a sound defense. They just play the game.”

“It’s like they never pay attention to the scoreboard. They’re a pretty good team — well-prepared and well-coached.”

Despite the balanced attack, River View will keep a close eye on Shady Spring quarterback Adam Weeks.

All five of Shady Spring’s touchdown last week came from his arm as Weeks threw for 350 yards on 17-of-25 passing. Weeks has 2,041 yards passing and 25 touchdowns on the year.

“Each team you have to scheme differently,” Estep said. “Against Ravenswood, we primarily schemed against the run. With Shady Spring, you scheme as though they’d throw the ball.

“You have to try to scheme different each week. The bottom line is the kids have to lineup and go out play. It really comes down to team that’s mentality.”

Chase Conner has been Weeks’ favorite target this season with 835 yards on 27 catches. Austin Johnson has 22 catches for 428 yards while Scott Daniels has 19 for 337.

“You have to be real committed and communicate to each other,” Estep said. “You have to show different sets and coverages. You have to scheme and hide your coverages, but they’ll be doing the same.”

Like the Tiger’s offense, River View has a few weapons of their own and feature a balanced attack.

Jacob Muncy has 1,718 yards and 20 touchdowns passing. He was only 13-of-28 for 112 yards last week, but stepped up on the final drive where he found Chad Franklin for the go-ahead touchdown.

Three different receivers have over 260 yards on the season led by Leshon Benton who has 860 yards and nine touchdowns on 41 catches. Franklin has 15 for 298 and Brandon Thomas has 10 for 269.

Trey Bailey leads a talented group of runners with 639 yards and 10 touchdowns. He had 101 yards and two scores last week after being limited due to an injury near the end of the season.

Jordan Wilson is a close second with 500 yards while Brandon Church has 324 yards. Joseph McClanahan has added 274 yards and Austin Walker has 215 yards.

“The number one key is you have to be playing you best,” Estep said. “As the kids say you have to be on your ‘A’ game. Then you have to be fortunate enough to get a break.

“The ball has to bounce your way. And special teams are really huge. The big things are turnovers, special teams and having a little luck.”

River View has had some better luck as of late with injuries as they are nearly 100 percent. After playing down several starters over the final few weeks of the season, only John Bailey will be out with a bruised shoulder.

“We have them all back but one and that excites us,” Estep said. “If you’re going into game, you want to be strong. Thankfully, we are.”

Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. tonight at H.B. Thomas Field in Shady Spring.

— Contact Jonathan Greene

at jgreene@bdtonline.com