Staunton River seeks upset at Spotswood tonight

Win or lose tonight, in its Region III, Division 4, quarterfinal at Spotswood, Staunton River’s football season has been an unqualified success.

“It’s been an unbelievable season,” second-year coach Rick Witt said. “It’s very exciting. Nobody in the world thought this team had a chance to go to the playoffs. Everything we do now is icing on the cake.”

The Golden Eagles benefited from moving out of the Seminole District, where they won just four district games in 48 tries since 2000, into the Blue Ridge District this fall. After starting off 0-3 in non-district play, they snapped a 28-game losing streak and reeled off five wins in a row, finishing .500 overall (5-5) and in the Blue Ridge (2-2).

They don’t carry much momentum into the playoffs, coming off losses to William Byrd and district champion Northside. But Witt believes his team can win its first playoff game since beating Lord Botetourt in the 1996 regional semifinals.

“We’re not just happy to be there,” he said. “We want to have a good showing and win the football game. Spotswood’s a very talented team and it’s going to take a special effort to beat them. We hope to give them our best shot.”

Staunton River will break up its two-and-a-half-hour bus ride to Spotswood today by stopping at Bridgewater College, where graduates Al Dillon and Scott Fike currently play. BC coach Mike Clark will allow the Golden Eagles to use the Eagles’ facilities to watch film and do a walkthrough on their field.

When they arrive at Spotswood, they will confront a very big and physical team led by all-Massanutten District running back Nick Wimer, who’s 6-feet, 205 pounds, and all-district quarterback Chad Williams.

From what Witt observed on film, the Trailblazers run a version of the Wing T, using a shotgun, and mix in multiple schemes with at least 18 different formations.

“They’re not really great at any of them,” Witt said. “They would be a little more scary if they settled on any one.”

He hopes the Golden Eagles can take advantage of their speed at the skill positions, led by junior running back Meech Coles, the area’s leading rusher with 1,464 yards and 14 touchdowns.

“He’s our workhorse,” Witt said.

Junior quarterback Cody Jones has connected with senior wide receiver Wesley Gates 25 times for 628 yards and eight TDs. Gates has averaged a touchdown for every 4.9 touches he’s had this season, including four kickoff returns for scores.

“He’s electric,” Witt said. “That’s a special athlete there. He’s going to be very difficult to defend.

“We feel like we have a real shot,” he added. “If we can neutralize their physicality, I think our skill position kids will make a difference.”

In 1996, after beating LB, Staunton River went on to lose to eventual Group AA, Division 4, state champion Salem in the regional final. If they get past the 8-2 Trailblazers tonight, the Golden Eagles would travel to top-seeded, Seminole District champion Amherst (10-0) next Friday night.