Gaston (3-2, 1-1) at Fyffe (5-0, 3-0)
Last week: Gaston 35, Gaylesville 6; Fyffe 62, Sylvania 15
Last meeting: Fyffe 55, Gaston 7 (2013)
Series record: Fyffe leads 9-2
By Gene Stanley/Sports Correspondent
Fyffe is ranked No. 1 in Class 2A. Enough said?
Swane Morris hopes not.
The Gaston High coach hopes his Bulldogs can pull off the upset and head into the second half of the season on a high note.
The Red Devils, however, are undefeated for a reason.
“They do what they need to do and do nothing wrong,” Morris said of his Class 2A, Region 7 rival. “As a coach, you look at them and say ‘wow.’ As a fan, you look at them and ask what they’re doing.”
That’s because Fyffe has abandoned the Wing-T and is running a variation of the Notre Dame Box.
“The quarterback, Will Mashburn, runs the offense perfectly,” Morris said. “He can sling it when he needs to. And (Austin) Stiefel really runs hard. They’ve got a big line and the backs to run behind it.”
Gaston is healthy for the first time this season, and Morris would love to take advantage of that fact.
“The kids are excited about the game,” Morris said. “It’s a good sign, anyway.”
Fyffe currently is in first place in the region standings, with Cleveland and Section a game out. Gaston is tied with Collinsville for third place.
Last week against Gaylesville, Mitchell Smith rushed for 109 yards on 12 attempts for two touchdowns. Jordan Douglas was 2 for 3 in passing for 135 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for 77 yards. Gabe Crain, Albert Douglas and Javonte Pope each caught a touchdown pass.