Hoggard (2-1, 3-5) vs. West Brunswick (4-1, 8-1)
The game of the week features a red hot West Brunswick football team as the Trojans travel up Highway 17 into Wilmington for a date with Hoggard at Scott Braswell Stadium.
Both teams are coming off positive results one week ago, while West Brunswick is riding a six-game winning streak in first-place atop the Mideastern Conference. Like last Friday’s 13-0 shutout against Laney, the Hoggard defense will be tasked with stopping a premiere run game.
Bubba McCray had a 180 yard, three touchdown performance as the senior running back had 40 carries in the 26-14 victory against New Hanover. Maliek King has also stepped into a big role for the Trojans. King’s size has been valued in short yardage situations and a good change up to McCray, who also runs with incredible power and toughness each time he touches the ball.
West Brunswick’s ground attack mixed with a talented defense up front and in the secondary has given the Trojans a ton of confidence moving into a key road test to stay in the division lead. Tariq Thomas and Toney Williams provide the green and white two quality pass defenders, holding a high potent New Hanover offense to just 116 passing yards last week. Taye Vereen and Tim Sellers are also coming off a big night in getting after the quarterback and should pose a similar threat to a Hoggard offense looking to build off last week’s victory.
The Vikings are more dedicated to its run game as compared to New Hanover, with Rashod Wallace and Tony Allen in the backfield. Collin Hairr returned to action at wide out after missing several games because of injury. Hairr, Tre Houser and Chet Radack give quarterback Josh Jones options through the air, which should present a good matchup to watch come Friday night.
Hoggard and West Brunswick both use their tight end in the passing game. Brandon Wehrley got the the Trojans’ offense moving with a 19-yard reception on the first play from scrimmage against New Hanover, while Patrick Morrison is often used as a big target inside the red zone for Hoggard.
The Vikings tightened things up on special teams against Laney, which should give Hoggard the advantage in the third facet of football. Jeremiah Kim is coming off a pair of successful field goal attempts.
Stat leaders
West Brunswick
- QB: Owen McDowell (35-of-54, 533 yards, 3TD/2INT)
- RB: Bubba McCray (174 carries, 1,385 yards, 22TDs); Maliek King (47 carries, 212 yards, 7TDs)
- WR: Brandon Wehrly (6 catches, 146 yards); Tariq Thomas (8 catches, 132 yards)
Hoggard
- QB: Josh Jones (72-of-134, 933 yards, 8TD/6INT)
- RB: Rashod Wallace (111 carries, 641 yards, 6TD); Tony Allen (94 carries, 504 yards, 6TD)
- WR: Chet Radack (19 catches, 306 yards, 3TD); Tre Houser (18 catches, 271 yards)
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