Series record: Good Hope 2, West End 1
Last meeting: 2007 – West End 28, Good Hope 20
Last week: West End 28, Gaston 12; Winfield 33, Good Hope 6
By Gene Stanley/Messenger Sports Correspondent
Large.
That’s the best way that West End coach Randy Hallmark could describe Good Hope.
“Their offensive and defensive fronts average probably about 275-280,” he said. “It’s going to be a chore to contain them.”
Good Hope won its first two games before losing quarterback Sebastian Fendley for violating team rules. Since then, the Raiders have had trouble finding a signal-caller, as well as another win.
Kainan Smith and Austin Crumbley have had turns at quarterback.
“The biggest thing is that they line up in so many formations,” Hallmark said. “They’ll go to the I for a play, then line up in empty the next, then a full house. It’s a big challenge for the defense to adapt in time.”
Good Hope likes to throw the ball out of any formation, too. But if you concentrate on their passing game, they have the running backs to make you pay, especially with the big offensive line doing the blocking.
Against Gaston, quarterback Levi Weems scored four touchdowns, two in the air and two on the ground. He rushed eight times for 87 yards and passed for 80 more.