James Monroe / Weir Preview

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Weir Preps For Run

 

By SAM AMICO

 

For Weir High, last week's 57-14 victory over Lincoln in the first round of the W.Va. Class AA playoffs gave new meaning to the word dismembering.

The Red Riders were good for 420 yards of total offense, 20 first downs, three intercepted passes, two recovered fumbles, and zero punts. A few more categories and the Riders could have rewritten the words to that holiday hit, "The 12 Days of Christmas."

 

Weir coach Tony Filberto simply likes to refer to the win as his team's best performance of the year.

 

"It's kind of funny, but those numbers aren't even indicative of how much we controlled the game," he said. "We held them without a first down until there were nine seconds left in the third quarter."

 

The reward? A second-round date at fourth-seeded James Monroe on Saturday afternoon - and an offensive formation that Filberto insists he hasn't seen since 1964.

 

"They use a single wing, and I'm sure a lot of people haven't seen it - at least, not their version of it - in a long, long time," he said.

 

Basically, just know that James Monroe prefers to pound the ball down your throat, then do it some more.

 

"They only pass out of necessity," Filberto said. "Every once in a while, they might throw one to keep you on your toes, but six passes in a game is a high number for them."

 

Either way, the Red Riders are 9-2 and seeded fifth, and should be well-prepared.

 

According to Filberto, they not only are coming off their best game of the season, but also their best two weeks of practice. And they weren't exactly slouches to begin with, having compiled nearly 4,000 yards of offense for the year.

 

Leading the way is Riders running back and West Virginia University recruit Zac Cooper. He has rushed for 874 yards and 12 touchdowns, plowing his way through opposing defensive lines like a locomotive with legs.

 

Justin Smith has been a fantastic No. 2 guy, having compiled 501 yards and five scores.

 

Meanwhile, quarterback Brandon Sperlazza has proven to be a do-it-all type, and has thrown for 1,033 yards and 16 TDs, while rushing for 423 yards.

 

Sperlazza's main target is Jack Crow (eight TD receptions). Crow hauled in six catches for 98 yards last week, and has 487 on the year.

 

Dustin Smith (five sacks) and Justin Shumake (three interceptions) are key players for the defense.

 

But again, the Weir defense will be facing an opponent that has made a living off the art of confusion.

 

"The thing about James Monroe is they run an offense unlike anything our defense has seen," Filberto said. "And if our defense is on the field too much, it will obviously take away from our offense."

 

The key players in Monroe's well-equipped attack are running backs Andrew Robertson and John Riggs.

 

Robertson has rushed for 1,269 yards and 22 touchdowns, and averages nearly eight yards per carry. His 138 points ranks sixth in the state.

 

Riggs enters the game with a modest 407 yards rushing, but has crossed the goal line 12 times.

 

No matter, based on recent performances, Filberto says the Riders have every reason to feel confident.

 

"The effort has definitely been there for us, and the kids are playing like they really believe," Filberto said. "If winning is based on effort, I think we can keep this thing going."