Games of the Week: Rivalry Night and a Tough Road Test
#6 Sherwood at Blake
Less than four miles separate these Montgomery County rivals, so you know “The Jungle” will be jumping at Blake on Friday night. Many of these kids have been competing against each other for years, and Blake two-way star Tatum Bell says the Bengals have had this contest circled since the schedule came out. Sherwood has been dominant on both sides of the ball this year, outscoring opponents 129-6. Last year, the Warriors needed two early safeties and a fourth-quarter comeback to get the win at home.
Bryon Marshall is in the midst of his eleventh season coaching at Blake and his fifth as head coach. Coach Marshall depends on senior Wilton Cameron to lead the Bengals’ attack, and the veteran QB was responsible for three touchdowns last week against Springbrook. Tatum Bell does it all on offense, but his outstanding ability at cornerback helped the Bengals shut out the Blue Devils.
Sherwood has been relentless on defense, and the heart and soul of the unit is fourth-year OLB London Hardy. Leading the team in tackles, takeaways and physical play, the senior captain has made it clear the Warriors have unfinished business this year. With two four-year starters, QB Matt Larsen and RB Frankie Saunders, in the backfield, it’s clear to see why Sherwood is eyeing more than just a return to this year’s state championship.
#8 Good Counsel at Malvern Prep (PA)
Good Counsel’s arduous non-conference schedule continues as the Falcons head to the Keystone State for the second time this season. The No. 8 team in the MSP Rankings will be taking on an extremely talented Malvern Prep squad ranked fifth in the state of Pennsylvania. The Friars have played a demanding schedule as well, losing 27-21 to an Imhotep Charter team that lost 21-20 a week earlier to DeMatha.
This is the home opener for the Friars after three games on the road. Malvern Prep has a six-game winning streak at home and has won nine of its last ten in friendly confines. Defensively, the Friars boast junior four-star DE George Parkinson, while the main threat offensively is wide receiver and LSU commit Cade Cooper.
This receiver matchup is must-see. Good Counsel’s Corey Smith has been a beast, with six touchdowns and more than 400 yards in four games. First-year head coach Sal Gorgone has the Good Counsel offense rolling, averaging more than 30 points per game against an impressive pre-WCAC schedule. Starting senior QB Jackson Rice is back and healthy, and he and his 1,500-pound offensive line are hungry for a win in the land of the cheesesteaks.
