The Green Underdogs: Green v. South Range Game Preview
Previewing the Friday night matchup between the Green High School Bulldogs and the South Range Raiders, highlighting each team's strengths and key players.
The Bulldogs of Green High School are gearing up for an exciting matchup this Friday (8/25/23) at 7:00 PM ET, but they'll be traveling to face South Range this time. Green, coming off an impressive victory against Dover last week, is hoping to build on their 1-0 record. On the other side of the field, the Raiders come into this game as a talented opponent. Having not lost a regular season game in 3 years, South Range intends to keep that streak. Both teams come into this game with plenty of motivation, and it promises to be a competitive matchup.
What to Know About South Range Football
South Range has not lost a regular season matchup in 3 years. They also hold a 24-game win streak against conference opponents, the Northeast 8. On top of that, South Range won their first state championship last year after going undefeated last year.
However, a big switch-up came this offseason with the retirement of their veteran head coach, Dan Yeagley. Yeagley coached 28 seasons at South Range, leading his team to 11 double-digit win seasons, 11 undefeated regular seasons, and three regional titles. In those 28 seasons, Yeagley guided the Raiders to an overall 248-75 record. The Raiders found a quick replacement in their ranks, naming Dave Rach, the team's defensive coordinator of 6 years, as the new head coach for South Range.
As we enter week 2 of the season, the South Range High School football team is making waves. Their dominant performance in week one against Springfield, where they secured a resounding 41-14 victory, sets the tone for what promises to be an exciting season.
This year, the team retains an impressive roster of 22 returning lettermen. However, on the offensive front, there are significant gaps to fill. The departure of quarterback Billy Skripac, who had a standout season with 3089 passing yards and 36 touchdowns, coupled with 617 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns, presents a challenge. Additionally, key playmakers Shane Lindstrom (55 catches, 1287 yards), Ayden Leon (36 catches, 769 yards), JD Crouse (32 catches, 800 yards), and Tyler Remish (599 rushing yards, 11 touchdowns) won't be returning to the lineup.
The QB1 spot will be passed on to junior Tristan Toy. Toy had an impressive debut for South Range. While the team's rushing duo of Blake Ewert and Aidan Dominguez combined for three touchdowns, Toy's performance as QB1 was noteworthy.
Head Coach Dave Rach's specialty, the defensive side of the ball, looks even better than their offense. In the previous season, they allowed only three of their 16 opponents to score more than 14 points.
Green's Football Strengths: Samino Manson's Versatility and Defensive Prowess
Green's strengths entering this game are prominently highlighted by the multifaceted talents of their quarterback, Samino Manson (#11). While his passing game displayed occasional inconsistencies, it was a great show when he got it going, resulting in 178 passing yards and two touchdowns, expertly connecting with receivers like Zach Baglia (#13) and Antonio Martin (#1). Manson's versatility as a QB was apparent. He rushed for 93 yards, securing multiple first downs, a valuable asset in Green's 2023 season strategy.
Speaking of versatility, Green boasts the talents of HB/Slot WR Antonio Martin (#1), whose ability to contribute in various ways on the field is well-known. Even when the team faced challenges, Martin's exceptional skills managed to mask weaknesses, turning seemingly unfavorable plays into advantageous ones. As Head Coach Mark Geis highlighted, Martin has a remarkable ability to turn possible disadvantages into valuable gains, consistently contributing positively to the game.
On the defensive front, players like OL/EDGE Michael Schaal (#53) and LB AJ Fortunato (#15) significantly boost Green's capabilities. Schaal's presence on the edge and agility were exemplified by a critical sack that thwarted a potential gain for Dover in the final minutes. On the other hand, Fortunato showcases an astute football IQ, enabling him to disrupt passing lanes and force turnovers with impressive timing and athleticism. Moreover, WR/DB Josh Just (#9) stood out as an unsung hero in Green's secondary, with a notable presence in the backfield. He executed a pivotal chase-down tackle in the fourth quarter that prevented a potential game-tying touchdown.
The Edge
*Note: It is of my belief that the reason for the Raiders’ success offensively is due to their defensive prowess. Hence why I believe Green’s offense has the slight edge over South Range.