Similar obstacles for Devils, Beavers

By JONATHAN GREENE

Bluefield Daily Telegraph

BLUEFIELD — The Bluefield Beavers visit an opponent who knows exactly how they feel this season.

The Beavers (2-3) have played a brutal schedule with games against Princeton, Charlotte Country Day, Charlotte Latin and Greenbrier East — all talented schools bigger than them.

Their opponent tonight is the defending Virginia Division II champions Gate City (1-3) who have lost to Richlands (5-0), Harlan County, Ky. (5-0) and Sullivan South, Tenn. (3-2).

“They’ve played a tough schedule,” Bluefield head coach Fred Simon said. “They’ve played some AAA opponents similar to us. They play hard. They’ve got a lot tradition like us and I expect a real tough ball game.”

Bluefield will be riding a two game losing streak after falling to Charlotte Latin 31-14 last week.

“They were well coached,” Simon said of Latin. “Their kids played hard. A good football team. Good experience for us as far as trying to find out pieces to the puzzle and getting better.”

The Blue Devils are coming off a bye week. Gate City previously defeated Lebanon 36-0 for their first win of the year.

The Beavers venture into dangerous territory as the Blue Devils’ Legion Field is one of the toughest places to play.

“It’s just an environment we have to overcome,” Simon said. “They’re loud and they cheer for their team like our fans do. Still once you kick it off, it’s basically making plays and playing football.”

Making plays has been difficult as of late for Bluefield. The Beavers have scored 14 points in each of their past two loses.

“Be nice to be healthy 100 percent,” Simon said. “We haven’t been healthy on offense the whole year. Earlier it was C.J. Manns and (Brad Fox) and now, it’s Montel (Leggett).

“That hampers us some, but other guys have to step it up when guys are hurt. The two teams from Charlotte are very well coached and they are tough for anyone to score on. I think our offense has been limited, because of that.”

In their first three games, Bluefield scored 51, 21 and 41 points.

“Against Graham, Greenbrier East and Princeton, we were able to move the ball,” Simon said. “Level of competition has something to do with that. Offensively, we’re going to have to block well. I think blocking will be the key no matter what we do — passing or running.”

Leggett missed last week and may see limited action tonight. The sophomore running back has 539 yards and nine touchdowns this season.

His replacements, Manns and Fox, combined for 126 yards last week with Manns accounting for 116 of that.

“They all try hard,” Simon said. “Both of them have a great work ethic and they’re not selfish. I’ve been pleased with how they try. They’re going to have to step it up until Montel gets 100 percent.”

Defensively, the Beavers will have to key on Gate City quarterback Nick Bowen (5-9, 160 pounds).

“He started for them last year as sophomore on the state championship team,” Simon said. “He does a nice job of executing their offense. He’s a key. Their offensive line blocks well too.”

In addition, Simon said Bluefield will “have to tackle better” than they did last week.

“We didn’t tackle well in the first half against Latin,” he continued. “We have to tackle better. That’s old school.”

With little room for error against a talented team on the road, those fundamentals will be key to a victory.

“Got to have teamwork from everyone,” Simon said. “Our turnovers, special teams and penalties will be crucial down there.”

Bluefield hits the road for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff in Gate City. They won’t play again after tonight until a road visit to Oak Hill on Oct. 21.

— Contact Jonathan Greene

at jgreene@bdtonline.com