Warren County (0-3, 0-1 Northwestern District) at James Wood (3-1, 0-1)
After falling to rival Sherando, James Wood will look to get back on track against Warren County.
The Colonels have impressed offensively this season, averaging 36.3 points per game and 383.8 total yards per game while holding opponents to 16 points per game.
Despite these numbers, Sherando defeated them 49-20 after James Wood’s offense and defense failed to gel at the same time. The Colonels gave up 35 points in the first half and only scored six points after the break.
James Wood should have an easier time against Warren County, as it’s been a while since the Wildcats were a force to be reckoned with. After a 7-6 finish in 2022, they’ve won just three games over the past three seasons.
After a one-point loss to Rock Ridge in the season opener, Warren County has since suffered a 41-18 loss to Strasburg and a 48-6 loss to Kettle Run. Strasburg may have laid the blueprint for James Wood, as the Rams ran for 473 yards in their win.
The Colonels have a versatile run attack that’s led by junior quarterback Owen Neal. Neal has run the ball 41 times for 223 yards and six touchdowns this season, in addition to throwing for 681 yards, six touchdowns and two interceptions. He scored two rushing touchdowns in the loss to Sherando last week.
Neal’s ability to strike in the air and on the ground already gives the Colonels’ offense an edge, but it’s ground attack also has two productive running backs in junior Jeremiah Hodel (31 carries, 233 yards, two touchdowns) and sophomore Jackson Ledford (14 carries, 124 yards, one touchdown).
The backs often do a lot of the dirty work, but the team’s receivers have made big plays to move James Wood down the field.
Juniors Aidric Yurish and Xavier Price and senior Kaden McCullough are all averaging over 22 yards per catch this season, frequently helping Neal put the team in position to score.
Many of the team’s offensive threats also contribute defensively. Ledford leads the team with 35 tackles, as he’s formed a strong linebacker tandem with junior Logan LaFollette (29 tackles, three sacks). McCullough isn’t far behind the two, racking up 23 tackles so far this year.
In the secondary, Price and fellow receiver Xander Manzo have each hauled in two interceptions, contributing to a pass defense that only allows 50.5 yards per game.
This tandem could be tested against Warren County, which boasts a strong connection between quarterback Bryce Bergmann and wide receiver Nick Harlow. Bergmann has completed 44 of 85 passes for 424 yards, while Harlow has caught 20 passes for 278 yards and four of Bergmann’s five touchdown passes.
The Wildcats also receive production in the backfield, as running back Blaise Skube has impressed, carrying the ball 33 times for 220 yards and a score while also catching 10 passes for 57 yards.
Warren County is giving up 37.3 points per contest.