Altavista expects stiff challenge from Riverheads

Altavista didn’t take long to make itself at home in the playoffs after a 19-year absence, grabbing a 10-0 victory over visiting Madison County last Friday in the Region B Division 1 semifinals.

Now the Colonels face a new challenge as they prepare for a trip to Staunton to face Riverheads for a spot in the Group A Division 1 state semifinal tonight at 7:30.

“Last Friday seems like months ago,” Altavista coach Mike Scharnus said. “It was so exciting to get to be in the playoffs and win that game. It was good for our confidence.”

“We had a very good defensive game. We were very good in the kicking game and we did what we had to do on offense. It was good game. It was a huge win for us.”

The Gladiators (10-1) defeated Buffalo Gap 20-7 last Friday to advance to Region B Division 1 championship game and was the Shenandoah District champions. The Gladiators lost to William Campbell 64-6 in 2008 and 47-14 to the Generals in 2007 in the first round of the playoffs, but did win the 2006 State Championship.

“They are a been-there and done-that team and they are well coached,” Scharnus said. “But, I don’t put a whole lot into playing on the road.. We just have to go there and play our game.”

The Gladiators feature a power running attack out of the Wing-T formation. Cory Sandridge is the team’s leading rusher with 1,550 yards on the season. Demetrius Younger added 921 yards rushing and Daniel Weekly ran for 836 yards.

“Our kids mesh well and play really well together and that matches the style of football we play up here,” Riverheads Robert Casto said.

The Colonels and the Gladiators share one common opponent. Riverheads defeated Nelson County 37-21 back on Sept. 11. In that game the Gladiators scored 20 unanswered points in the fourth quarter to snatch away the win from the Governors.

Sandridge had 37 rushing attempts, gained 233 yards and scored four touchdowns, including all three fourth quarter scores. Nelson County senior running back, Trey Barnett, did all the Governors damage as he carried the ball 15 times for 160 yards and two touchdowns.

“They are a ball control team,” Scharnus said. “They are very physical and big. We are really going to have to work hard to match their intensity. We are preaching to the guys that they are going to have to be physical from the first snap until the last.”

The Colonels knocked off Nelson County 43-13 when Altavista claimed a share of the Dogwood District title for the first time in 38 years. The Colonels rolled up 310 rushing yards against the Governors. Chris Clark led the way with 163 yards and three scores on 13 carries. Altavista held Nelson County to 97 yards of total offense.

“I’m concerned about their speed, athleticism and size,” Casto said. “I’m always concerned about speed. They are also a very well coached team and play in the toughest district in the state.”

“We are going to have to do the same things we always need to do. We can’t turn the ball over. We have to limit the stupid penalties and keep the ball away from their offense.”

Not beating themselves with penalties and turnovers was something Scharnus said was going to be a key for the game. But, he also was making sure his team was focused on one thing: Riverheads.

“(A spot in the state playoffs) is something the players may be thinking about but, the only we are talking to them about is their next opponent,” Scharnus said. “After the season is over there will be plenty of time to go back and examine the firsts of this football team.”