Appomattox expects formidable challenge from Gretna

In tonight’s battle in Appomattox between the last two undefeated teams in the Dogwood District, Grenta senior linemen Rory "Bop" Haskins and Coleman Osborne pose a formidable tag team for the Raiders to wrestle with.

"They’ve got two all-state kids coming back on the offensive and defensive lines and they’ve dominated a lot of teams up front," Appomattox coach Ben Martin said. "They’re definitely big up front, not just with those two kids, but several others who are 6-foot-3, 250 pounds across the board. It’s going to be a challenge for us to try to get pressure on them."

Standing in contrast to the Hawks’ size on the defensive line, the Raiders feature a leaner, faster offensive front.

"We match up well with them," Martin said. "They’ve probably got bigger linemen [but] we try to put taller, lankier defensive linemen against them to try to use their speed."

Appomattox (7-1, 4-0 Dogwood) has won seven straight since losing its season opener to Buckingham for the third year in a row.

"We’ve definitely been on a roll here lately on both sides of the ball," Martin said. "We’ve played well most weeks and have been able to control the line of scrimmage."

But the Raiders haven’t faced a giant like Gretna (7-1, 4-0) during that stretch.

"They’re definitely very similar to Buckingham," Martin said of the Hawks, noting both teams run spread attacks. "Gretna, maybe a little more than Buckingham, wants to establish the run first.

"It’s one of those games where it’s another test for us to really see how good we can be," he added. "You’re dealing with Gretna, one of those teams that’s been among the best in Virginia for the past 10 years. They’ve got a name there. If you look at their history and how many times they’ve won state championships and been in state championships and how many district titles they’ve won …"

It can be intimidating.

The last time the Raiders beat the Hawks, 28-26 in 2009, they forged a three-way tie the Dogwood District title.

However, Appomattox, which is where the treaty was signed that ended the Civil War nearly 150 years ago, isn’t playing for a tie this time around.

"Our team has never lacked confidence," said Martin, who is seeking his first outright district title in four seasons at the helm. "I think they’re ready for the challenge."

The Raiders, who close their season at William Campbell, last claimed a Dogwood crown in 1999, when Larry Kidd, currently Brookville’s athletic director, was the coach.

Though Gretna’s season finale is against Dan River, Hawks third-year coach Kevin Saunders believes the winner of tonight’s game will be the champion. He doesn’t consider his team the prohibitive favorite.

"I think it will be a very tough place to win," he said. "They’re a very good team. They shut down [Dan River tailback] Trey Edmunds [in a 24-7 win Oct 14]. He signed a Division I scholarship [to Virginia Tech] and they absolutely mauled him. I don’t know how we’re going to handle that."

He said the key will be mixing up the pass and the run.

"We have to have enough of a balanced attack to keep Appomattox honest," Saunders said. "Their defensive line and linebackers are excellent. Their whole defense is excellent."

Looking at the scoreboard, Gretna’s is pretty stout, too, as the Hawks have allowed less than eight points per game (61 through eight games), exactly half as many as the Raiders (122).

Both teams rely heavily on their quarterbacks, two of the most prolific in the area.

Since taking over behind center for Tony Miller, who has averaged 137 yards rushing and receiving per game since shifting to the slot, sophomore Dyon Rosser has completed 20 of 26 passes for 535 yards and nine touchdowns in his last two outings alone.

"He’s been really efficient [and] he’s gotten better each week," Saunders said.

"He’s definitely been able to hurt teams both with his legs and his arm," Martin added. "They’re definitely a dual threat team [but] with them, you definitely want to be able to stop the run first. They’ve got some threats with Tony Miller, [Kevin Moorman] and Dip Pannell."

Appomattox counters with senior Josh Wilson, a converted running back who has operated the Raiders’ option attack smoothly, rushing for 1,233 yards and 16 touchdowns and completing more than 50 percent of his passes for another 566 yards and six scores.

"We’re definitely a run-first offense," Martin said, noting tailback Mike Malone, who turned his ankle against Chatham, got some reps in practice this week, but is doubtful. "Other than that, we’re pretty healthy. The last couple weeks, we’ve kind of been running by committee between three different guys – Clarence Copeland, Dequan Trent and Mark Washington."

The Raiders can spread out their tailbacks to turn them into passing targets and Wilson can look downfield to receivers Shaquan Moore and Brian Preston and tight end Kendall Hammer.

"It definitely keeps teams on their heels and keeps teams from stunting as much [when the Raiders have passing success]," Martin said. "It’s been effective for us just about every game."