GameSetter: Week 3 vs Davis Wolves - Heritage Hall Athletics

When and Where:
4A #3 Heritage Hall (2-0) vs. 2A #5 Davis (1-1)
September 15 (FRI) 7:00 PM
Charger Stadium
*Watch the Week 3 Practice Report (Ethan Creamer '19 & Preston Nelson '19)

Most Recent Matchup:
In week three of the 2016 season, Heritage Hall traveled to Davis to battle the 2A #3 Wolves. Both teams came out fairly sluggish during the first 15 minutes, with the only score coming off of a one yard touchdown run by Blake Adams. Things sped up quickly in the second quarter, as Blake Adams ran into the end zone for another score to extend the lead. Davis responded with two quick touchdowns of their own, executing the wishbone offense to perfection, tying the game at 14. Both teams then exploded offensively, trading huge play for huge play. The Chargers returned a 99 yard kickoff for a touchdown, which was followed by a 50 yard Davis score. Just before the half, Adams connected with Chandler Shapard for an 86 yard TD, taking a 29-20 lead into halftime. After a defensive third quarter, Heritage Hall entered the final quarter with a 12 point lead. Early in the fourth, Davis drove straight down the field and found the end zone, trimming their deficit to 5 points. The Wolves got the ball the back near the end of the game, threatening to win. However, Blake Adams intercepted a Davis pass in the red zone and skillfully returned it 88 yards for a touchdown, sealing an exciting 39-27 victory for the Chargers.

Player Spotlight:
Davis quarterback Briston Summers had a huge game against the Chargers in last year's matchup. The speedster rushed for 126 yards and three touchdowns on 20 carries, running the Wolves' classic wishbone offense well and making it tough on the Heritage Hall defense. The senior quarterback is back in 2017 for the Wolves, however, he has been ruled out for this weekend's game due to an arm injury. Losing a starting quarterback is a huge blow for any team, but it is notably tough to overcome for a team like Davis, who runs a tricky wishbone offense with many difficult reads and pitches. The Wolves will be forced to score a potential upset over the Chargers with a total team effort while Summers heals and cheers them on from the sideline.

Outlook:
After two extremely impressive weeks in a row, defeating 3A #3 John Marshall and Madill by a combined score of 90-34, the Chargers will look to make it three straight as a tough opponent comes to Charger Stadium. Last week against Madill, Heritage had the ground game firing on all cylinders for a team total of 264 yards and five scores. That success was achieved despite Week 1's hero, fullback Conner Carey, sitting out with a foot injury. Billy Ross shined out of the backfield, rushing for 143 yards and finding the end zone three times. The Charger defense was dominant throughout the entire game – the Wildcats only scored twice, both coming in the second half. Phillip Smitherman and Connor Keith combined for 19 total tackles while Chandler Shapard added two interceptions. The play of the night, however, was Preston Taylor's 70-yard interception returned for touchdown to give the Chargers a 22 point lead in the first quarter. Another strong team performance is key against the Wolves' distinct offensive style, especially with linebacker Will Dunn out with a torn MCL. Davis versus Heritage Hall is always a hard-nosed, exciting game no matter the matchup – and this Friday night will be no different.

Article by Jake LeForce '19
Cover Photos by Jake Steelman '19

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