WINNSBORO — Two sets of Eagles will clash Friday night as Richard Winn Academy (2-7) travels to Mullins to take on Pee Dee Academy (1-5).
Coach Kenny Atkerson has prepared his RWA Eagles to defend against a variety of offensive formations. The Pee Dee Eagles like to break long runs to the outside of the formation, so the rovers and defensive backs will have to cover a lot of ground in this one for Richard Winn.
“I expect Pee Dee to play hard. Like us they have some young players and have gotten better each week,” Atkerson said.
Richard Winn has regrouped after a few tough losses and set a team goal of trying to win out the rest of the season.
“A 2-0 finishing kick would be great to build on for next season,“ Atkerson said.
RWA is as healthy now as it has been all season. In this chess match the RWA offense will face a defense that plays four down linemen, sometimes shifts to four linebackers and at other times includes two linebackers and two safeties.
Atkerson thinks the RWA schemes will work against Pee Dee.
“I believe that we can stay with what we do (single wing and spread passing game) and if the pass is there we will throw it if we have the run we will run it. We are now able to do some checks at the line so that has made us more diversified on offense.”
Last week the Eagles nearly had two 100-yard rushers in Austin Knox, 11 carries for 102 yards and Sidney Edenfield who carried 10 times for 96 yards and a two-yard touchdown.
The passing game was clicking with quarterbacks Knox, Matt Taylor and Corey Davis combing to go 7-8 passing with two touchdowns and two two-point conversions.
Reid Johnson led all receivers with four catches for 35 yards, a touchdown and a two-point conversion. While Logan Gibbons hauled in a 25-yard touchdown reception. Johnson led the team in tackles with seven and five assists, while Gibbons had six tackles and nine assists.
He said the players played hard and followed the game plan last week which gave them a chance to win.
If they can minimize mistakes and play hard, he thinks winning will take care of itself. The RWA Eagles have spent more time with pass coverage this week and he thinks that is paying off.
“We have two games left and our following on the road has been great. It means a lot to the players and coaches when we have that support,” Atkerson said. “Thanks to all and especially the cheerleaders for all the great support. We will do our best to play as well as possible.”
He noted that the future looks bright at Richard Winn because the middle school team has only lost two games to this point.
“Coaches Paul Brigman and Michael Dean have done a great job with them. This will be the first winning season in a long time and this can be a good group in the future,” Atkerson said.
He said this year’s varsity squad has played well despite a tough schedule and has played a lot of games close. Atkerson believes that will set up a solid foundation for the eight-man program and he encourages fans to make the drive to Mullins to see the Eagles soar.
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