SMAC Football Preview — Week 3
Game of the Week
McDonough (1-1) at Westlake (2-0)
Friday, 7 p.m.
Through two games Westlake has seen its offense run wild and outscore opponents 100-28. This week would figure to provide the Wolverines’ stiffest test so far, though, as McDonough comes to town.
A year ago, McDonough led Westlake at the half but the Wolverines exploded for 37 second-half points in a 50-28 win. This year’s teams look significantly different — McDonough has a new coach and Westlake’s lineup is littered with new names throughout. Through two games, four different players have rushed for over 100 yards to lead what has been a high-powered and balanced rushing attack. Devon Smith leads the pack with 175 yards on just seven carries thus far.
Last week, Calvert’s B.J. Greening rushed for over 100 yards against McDonough, but the Rams’ defense stiffened up when it had to. McDonough shut out Calvert 14-0, and will need to be every bit as stingy this week.
Other games to watch
North Point (1-1) at La Plata (1-1), Friday at 7 p.m.
This matchup pits two teams looking to make their way up the conference hierarchy. La Plata, winners of last year’s contest, could use a win to continue forward with the progress the program made a year ago in going 5-5 after a winless 2006.
In its first season with a senior class, North Point is looking to make some noise. Last week the Eagles’ defense rose to the occasion in shutting out Northern, 10-0. This week it will have to corral La Plata’s Marcus Smoot and Adam Joson, who lead a La Plata offense that scored 54 points last week.
Patuxent (1-1) at Northern (1-1), Friday at 7 p.m.
The Panthers, coming off an emotional loss to Lackey a week ago, will look to bounce back at county-rival Northern. Patuxent has struggled with injuries through the season’s first couple of weeks, but did get quarterback Marcus Bullock back last week and have received strong performances from seniors Justin Ford and Mike Swearingen in the first two games.
Northern, which was shut out last week after putting up 50 points in Week 1, will be looking to get its offense back into gear against an extremely tough Panthers defense. Through two weeks, Northern’s Craig Hawkins leads the conference with 295 rushing yards.
Other games
Leonardtown at Chopticon, Thursday at 7 p.m.
Thomas Stone at Lackey, Friday at 7 p.m.
Calvert at Huntingtown, Friday at 7 p.m.
Great Mills at Severn, Saturday at 3 p.m.
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