GAMEDAY: Apprentice School @ Ferrum

With both teams coming off big week one wins, it is likely each team will bring a good deal of momentum to the game. Newport News Apprentice has not enjoyed a lot of success in recent years, but did post a .500 season last year. Some things to take note of.
The coaching staff is headed by interim head coach Mark Tomlin, and is aided by Offensive coordinator Zbig Kepa. Kepa was a respected assistant coach at William and Mary for almost 30 years. He has been around the game forever, and brings a wealth of information and knowledge to the sideline. Tomlin is well familiar with the Builders program. He played for the Apprentice School before graduating in 1986, and has had taught and coached in Prince George County Public Schools.
From what I can see, The Apprentice School has a far more difficult schedule this year as they have many ODAC match ups along with a couple of USA South teams mixed in. While I think this is still a team that will have a hard time repeating last years success, they are "building" a strong program.

As for Ferrum, I am looking for this to be a chance for them to pick up win number two, and continuing the tune up process for the conference schedule. I look for Ferrum's ground game to have a more dominant roll in the game today, and expect the Ferrum defense to present a lot of pressure on the Builders offense. This however is not a guaranteed win. To think so would be a mistake for Ferrum. The Panthers have a very good chance be a very special team. They have a very real chance to contend and win the USA South, and while this is not a conference game, a loss today would do serious damage to their momentum, and their overall outlook on a national scale.

Keys to the game today:

For Ferrum to win, they simply have to-

Control time of possession,and score often.

Create turnovers, and convert to points.

Control the line of scrimmage defensively.

Shut down the passing game through pressure on the quarterback


So why is there a concern? This can be a statement game. A chance for Ferrum to really show off their ability. I would love to see a 30+ point Panther win, I would love to see a second week where the Ferrum defense does not give up a touchdown, and I would love to see a touchdown from a punt or kickoff return by the Panthers.
What concerns me is that there is no recent history between these schools, and it would be quite easy to look at the struggles that the Builders have had over the last several years, and develop the feeling that this win will be automatic.....this would be a mistake. The Apprentice School has abilities, and is coming in, believing they can and will win. Here is what I know. Last week, Greensboro only had 6 first downs, and only 192 yards of total offense. The Pride only had 51 yards rushing. I am not sure that we can take a lot from that, but it is quite possible that the Builders defense is pretty good.

In the end, I think it is important for Ferrum to stay focused, follow the game plan and they should come up with their second win. I had earlier predicted that Ferrum will win 32-6. I will stick with that. I  solidly believe that Ferrum can make a statement as to how good they are, but in the end, it is not the score, it's the win........Take it to 'em Ferrum.