Liberty vs. James Wood Preview - www.fauquier.com
The rivalry dates back to 2001, but the James Wood Colonels have never scored more than 13 points against Liberty’s football team.
In fact, they average only 3.1 points per game in seven contests against the Eagles.
So Liberty will try to continue that dominance Friday when it hosts James Wood with both teams owning 2-3 records.
“Liberty defenses play hard and physical,” said Eagles coach Sean Finnerty, whose team has allowed only 22 points all-time against the Colonels. But “we will need to tackle better this week to keep that number low.”
The Eagles have uncharacteristically allowed 28.6 points per game this season, which includes a 55-21 loss to Sherando two weeks ago.
“We give effort,” Finnerty said. But “we need to work on executing and finishing plays.”
James Wood similarly lost to Sherando 65-6. Also like Liberty, the Colonels enter Week 7 after a bye last weekend. They lost to Hedgesville 45-20 when they last played Sept. 21.
Offensively, James Wood uses the triple option, so the Eagles must stay disciplined defensively.
“You have to be on your assignments,” Finnerty said.
Liberty’s offense, meanwhile, will try to continue the production that has given it 26.8 points per game this fall. The Colonels’ defense will pose some challenges, though.
“They do a lot of movement up front,” Finnerty said, “which can be hard to block.”