Tomorrow marks the end of the season for these two teams. A season, for Ferrum anyway, that has shown some real improvement and promise for the future. The Panthers will take shortest trip of the season and head to Danville to take on Averett (4-5, 1-5). The last week of the season is considered rivalry week and will pit such foes as Hampden-Sydney @ Randolph Macon, and the Panthers and the Cougars. Historically, Emory and Henry was the last game of the season for Ferrum, but since they have moved to DII, Averett has taken their place in the ODAC, and the new "Route 220 Rivalry" was born. (I know Rt. 220 does not connect Ferrum to Danville precisely, but from either end, you can get close enough to ask directions.)
So what can we expect tomorrow? Actually, I would rate these teams as pretty close to even. Offensively, Averett is leading in points per game with a 25.9 ppg average. Ferrum has a 17.33 ppg average. Defensively, Ferrum has allowed 265 points which equates to giving up 29.44 ppg. Averett has ironically also allowed 265 points with the same 29.44 ppg. average.
The Cougars have accumulated 1381 yards on the ground, while Ferrum has tallied 1044 yards. Through the air, Averett has gained 1870 yards and scored 21 passing touchdowns. They have thrown 14 interceptions. Ferrum has gained 1296 and scored 7 touchdowns through the air. They have thrown 6 interceptions.
As for the defenses, Ferrum has had its up and downs. Through 9 games, Ferrum has allowed 1688 yards rushing and 20 touchdowns by the opposition. The Panthers have intercepted their opposition 9 times this season. That is a three way tie for the second most interceptions this season behind Randolph Macon with 15. Ferrum has allowed 12 touchdowns through the air.
As for Averett, they have allowed 1315 yards to opponents on the ground, and 24 rushing touchdowns. They have intercepted their opposition 7 times. and have given up 9 touchdown passes.
So how will this one turn out? I am guessing it could go either way. Weather should not be a factor, but the most important factor, may be the Last One.
This will be Coach Adam's last game as head coach, against the team he left to come to Ferrum. This is a big game as he will take over Athletic Director duties soon after today's game is over.
This is the last game for the Seniors a time to reflect, on the little league football games, middle school games, and high school games. On these last four years of college, all ending today. realizing that for many they will never play competitive football again. They will strap on that Black Hat one last time, and give it 110%.
I think one could look at this game and see from the stats that either team is capable of winning, but I will let my prejudice show again, and say that this can and should be a Ferrum win. Let's see how it goes. Remember we are Chasing on Final Win, and it could be the win could come via a field goal, supplied by Chase Deaton, but Chase has already ended his playing days as a Panther. This one may have to be left to his younger brother Seth. Seth has had a very productive season, setting the record for the most career field goals in Ferrum history.
Go Panthers!
No comments:
Post a Comment