Warren County-Skyline recap from Friday 11-2-2012

By Robert Edmonds

Sports@nvdaily.com

FRONT ROYAL—It appeared as if the entire town was at Warren County High School Friday night when the Wildcats hosted their cross town rival Skyline in the final game for both teams of the 2012 regular football season.

Adding to the hype of the rivalry was the fact that both teams entered the night with identical 8-1 records as well as winning their respective district title and securing a postseason berth.  The game certainly lived up to the billing as both teams battled fiercely in a tightly contested matchup.

“When we split into schools a few years ago, both of our teams had some tough going,” Skyline coach Heath Gilbert said.  “Now we both come into tonight District champs and going to the playoffs, it’s really exciting for our kids and the community.”

Both teams’ defense was prevalent on the night forcing the opposing offense to earn each and every yard.  In the end, it was the Skyline defense that withstood the pressure and shutdown the Wildcats enough to edge out a 14-12 victory.

The Wildcats were able to move the ball down several times against the Hawks but couldn’t manage to finish their drives with points.  Trailing 14-6 midway through the fourth quarter, Warren was able to draw closer after a big fourth down conversion.

With 5:50 remaining in the game, the Wildcats faced a fourth and four from the Skyline forty yard line. After punting on their previous series in a similar situation, Warren opted to go for it with time becoming a factor.  Tyler Post dropped back to pass and found Matt Nicholson for a 14 yard completion to keep the drive alive. 

Two plays later, Post completed an 18 yard pass to Chris Larsen inside the ten yard line.  On the very next play, Timothy Green rumbled into the endzone from 8 yards out for the touchdown.  Trailing by 2 after missing an extra point in the first quarter and a field goal to start the second half, the Wildcats were forced to go for a two point conversion.

Post’s pass into the endzone was intercepted by a Hawks defender spoiling the Wildcats opportunity to tie the score.  The ensuing kickoff went out of bounds allowing Skyline to start their drive from the 35.  With just four minutes remaining, the Hawks looked to grind out the clock with their run game. 

With the Wildcats defense holding the Hawks on the first three downs, Skyline went for it on fourth and one and converted on a four yard run by quarterback, Aaron Jeremiah.   Skyline continued to use the run game to drain the clock but after gaining only three yards on their next to carries faced a third and seven.

Jeremiah looked to pass over the middle on third down but was picked off by Jeff Budwash to give the Wildcats life with less than two minutes to go.  The Wildcats began the drive impressively converting a first down but when Post rolled to right after being chased out of the pocket and through to the sidelines, the officials threw a flag for intentional grounding saying there were no receivers in the vicinity of the pass.

Staring at third and 24, the front line of Skyline dug in applying pressure to Post and forcing two consecutive incompletions to seal the victory.

“Our defense worked hard tonight,” Hawks senior Nick Helmick said.  “We played all out every play tonight.  They made some good plays but we were able to make the big stops.  I think this is the best our D-line and linebackers have played all year.”

Another huge stop by the Skyline defense at the end of the first half also played a large role in the outcome.  With Warren driving deep into Hawks territory, Skyline managed to force Warren into a third and long situation. 

A completed pass by Post to Nicholson gave the Wildcats a fourth and five attempt.  Post again dropped back to pass but was hit violently from the blindside by Brenden O’Conner forcing a fumble that was recovered by the Wildcats but ultimately ended with a turnover on downs leaving the Wildcats coming up empty in regards to points.

“All year long our defense has been susceptible to giving up big plays,” Gilbert said.  “Tonight they stepped up and came through in every key moment especially late in the game and was the reason we were able to walk out tonight with a win.”

Despite two consecutive tough loss, Warren coach Tony Tallent feels his team will rebound and be ready next week when the playoffs start.

“We had our chances tonight we didn’t punch it in when we had the opportunities,” Tallent said.  “This type of game is what makes this such a good rivalry.  Our kids know that there were no trophies won tonight and the next season is when we get our chance to get that trophy.  I expect and know that they will come out next week and be ready to play against whoever we face.”

Gano holds off another

Often times in football the kicking game tends to be overlooked, or at least not given much attention. It isn't until clutch time, when a field goal attempt can make or break the game that most tend to truly pay attention.

It's true that these clutch moments can solidify one's legacy as a hero or a dud, but there are so many other factors that play into that moment or any other field goal attempt for that matter. Maybe that is why after another preseason battle this time against a well known name in Neil Rackers, that once again, Graham Gano has won the starting job for the Washington Redskins.

I'm not sure why I'm so high on Gano. The 73% career field goal percentage in the NFL certainly doesn't put him at the top of the list. Maybe it's because as a senior in college for Florida State his name rang in my ear so many times. After all, I am huge Virginia Cavaliers fan which plays in the same conference and although the Wahoos haven't been in true contention for the ACC in several years, a Wahoo often doesn't cheer for the success of his competitors.

Gano was an outstanding college kicker despite being limited to only one year as the Seminoles starting kicker. Now that he's in the NFL, my feelings have changed and I often find myself rooting for his success typically against the opinions of others since I am surrounded by so many Redskins fans in the DMV area.

Last year, Gano missed ten field goals, albeit five of the ten misses failed due to blocks. Thus comes into play the other aspects that are involved in the kicking game, one of them being blocking.

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That certainly doesn't take the heat off of Gano but the coaches in Redskins park seem to see the potential in Gano. For as many haters, there are many that like Gano and want to see him get a chance to prove himself. In the NFL, you are only going to get so many chances especially with the talent that is around the league.

Still after beating out Shayne Graham last year, and then holding off Rackers this offseason, Gano will get another chance. This is his time to prove himself and show why he belongs in the league. More than likely there will be no excuses this year and another poor season will lead to an early exit or at least the end of his tenure with Skins.

I, for one, don't see that happening however. I believe in Gano and I believe that this year will be his time to shine and he will show the form that allowed him to convert on more than 90% of his attempts at Florida State. And who knows, he may even win a game or two for the Skins.

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Luck and RGIII are human after all

Before Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III had their names called at this years' NFL Draft, both players were daunted as super heroes. Two players that would come into the league and have instant results, automatically propelling their team into contention.

While the talents of these players are unquestioned and the potential to their stardom at this point is limitless, it was nice to get a breath of reality into all the buzz that has surrounded the two players with their Preseason week 2 performances.

Luck who faced the Steelers in last night's game threw two interceptions early on including one that was returned for a touchdown to show that he does have the ability to make mistakes.

He also showed that he has a mental toughness that is rare for such a young quarterback when he helped bring his team back from a 14 point deficit to take the lead before exiting the game.

A day earlier, Griffin was seen running for his life against a Bears defense which led to a few learning situations. One was the hold on to the ball with two hands when being forced to scramble. After avoiding a sack, Griffin stepped up in the pocket and began to run when the ball was batted away from a defender behind him leading to a turnover and a quick touchdown for the Bears offense.

Griffin also quickly realized there are times to just throw the ball away and also to use the sideline as a friend rather than batter himself against defenders twice his size. The quarterback did manage to come back and complete a few good passes before his departure which also showed the resiliency of a veteran, not a first year player.

There is no doubt in my mind that these two players will resurrect their teams in the coming years and that their leadership will help their respective teams jump to the next level but it's good to see that noone is exempt from making mistakes.

Most mature individuals and those that are around sports know that to be the case but there are many casual fans that think a player with the calibur of play of these two will come in and do no wrong.

The commentator for Chicago that suggested there was a quarterback controversy after another rookie Redskins quarterback, Kirk Cousins came into the game and played so well following Griffin is just another spark to these casual fans fire.

Controversy? Really? I can't believe that would even be suggested after only two preseason games. No disrespect to Cousins at all but the Redskins didn't give up several draft picks and as some would say "mortgage their future" to bench Griffin even before the regular season started.

Point being, Luck and Griffin will play this year. They will play well at times and they will make mistakes at times. From what I have witnessed so far, the good plays will most likely outweigh the bad. It is how they learn from those mistakes and grow and develop that will separate them from the average player. The maturity that each displays already will contribute to their success and while we may not see them in the postseason this year, I am sure that each will be leading their teams to conference championships in no time at all.

Who should be #2 for the Skins?

I heard this subject come up earlier today on the Holden and Danny show on 106.7 in DC and I thought I would post my two cents on the matter.

The question was asked:"Who should be the Redskins backup quarterback? Rex Grossman or Kirk Cousins?

The two hosts gave their opposing views and most of the fans that called in seemed to overwhelmingly support Grossman in the backup role.

I can see the point of view that Rex has been in the system, he knows the "Shanahan way" and he can tell you where the ball should go on each and every progression. The logic is that someone with that type of mind should be held on to in order to tutor the new Starter, rookie Robert Griffin III.

While I can say the case can be made that Grossman would be the obvious choice, I have to disagree with the majority from the small sample size.

First, let me say there is no bias in my viewpoint. I am not a Redskins fan but I have had a lot of exposure to the team over the years that I have lived in the area. When Mike Shanahan was brought to Redskins park, one of the major renovations that needed to be done was to "change the culture".

Over the last 20 years, Washington has not been able to realize the glory that "The Hogs" from back in the day brought to the city. The culture has been one of losing, one of the quick fix (bandaid if you will). The idea that you could buy a bunch of names, put them together, and have success in the NFL is a bit absurd.

Football is a team game. One where players have to rely on each other to execute schemes and plays in order to be successful on a consistent level. Sure, there are players with unique talents, ones that stand out among the rest, but often times these players would not achieve a high level of success without the support of their teammates.

After all, the NFL is the best of the best. Getting back to the question, Shanahan appears to have made changes for the better. While there will always be questions regarding decision making, I think that the decision to move away from Grossman as much as possible is most beneficial for this team.

Grossman can "coach" and mentor but let the coaches do what they are paid to do. They drafted Cousins for some reason. Apparently they thought he may have what it takes to play at the highest level. You have to evaluate his training camp, his preseason play and then you make the decision. If it appears that he does indeed have potential, you go with the youngster.

Grossman has proven what he is in the NFL. He may know the Shanahan offense but he proved most of last year, he also knows how to blow it up. Turnover after turnover contributed to loss after loss. I'm not saying he lost all of those games single handedly but some of his decision making and play did not help the situation.

You have to be realistic that as good as Griffin may be, all of the upside that he has, there is always the chance he will get dinged. Short term or long term, if he can't play, you have to have someone to step in. You know what your getting with Grossman. If you think that Cousins can play even in the backup role, not necessarily as a full time starter, then give him the chance to play.

After all, what do you have to lose at this point? Change the culture!

My 2012 NFL Predictions

Pads are on and all 32 NFL teams have taken the field for training camp as we are quickly approaching the 2012 kickoff.

Amazing enough, in less than five days the preseason kicks off and coaches will be able to evaluate their players in real game situations. While there are some players that are certain to be on the teams' roster after the final cut day, there are many more that are vying to find a slot on a team.

Teams have made changes since last year's season came to a close. Several teams have new coaches, quarterbacks have found new landing spots and key free agents have been picked up all in hopes of finding the right pieces to complete the puzzle. There are even several top draft picks that teams are hoping will step in and deliver to give them a competitive shot in their goal of raising the Lombardi trophy at the end of the season.

While each team comes off a certain level of play from last year, everyone has the same record and hasn't lost a game this season giving the hopes of reaching the team goals an acceptable level of realism at this point.

I am not, nor do I claim to be an NFL expert. I'm a fan that looks at the teams, the moves, and forms my opinions based on the factors that each and everyone of us use to make the same types of predictions. After looking at what I know, here is what I project for this season. Some will agree, some will say I am totally off, but it sparks conversation and debate and leaves us yearning a little more to fulfill that void that has been missing since January.

In just a few short weeks, NFL Sundays will once again fill stadiums and rule the airwaves.

AFC East

1. New England Patriots
2. New York Jets
3. Buffalo Bills
4. Miami Dolphins

AFC North
1. Baltimore Ravens
2. Pittsburgh Steelers
3. Cincinnati Bengals
4. Cleveland Browns

AFC South
1. Houston Texans
2. Tennessee Titans
3. Indianapolis Colts
4. Jacksonville Jaguars

AFC West
1. Denver Broncos
2. San Diego Chargers
3. Oakland Raiders
4. Kansas City Chiefs

AFC Wild Card Teams: Pittsburgh and San Diego

NFC East
1. New York Giants
2. Philadelphia Eagles
3. Washington Redskins
4. Dallas Cowboys

NFC North
1. Green Bay Packers
2. Detroit Lions
3. Minnesota Vikings
4. Chicago Bears

NFC South
1. New Orleans Saints
2. Carolina Panthers
3. Atlanta Falcons
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

NFC West
1. San Francisco 49ers
2. Arizona Cardinals
3. St. Louis Rams
4. Seattle Seahawks

NFC Wild Card Teams: Philadelphia and Detroit

Super Bowl: Baltimore vs. San Francisco
Champion: San Francisco

If you haven't noticed: This team is for real!!

If you haven't noticed, maybe you're hiding under a rock.

Heading into the final 1/3 of the 2012 regular season, the Washington Nationals have the second best record in Major League baseball and currently are leading the NL East by four games over second place Atlanta creating a stir in the nation's capital.

A city that has always regarded the Redskins as their first love is finding a mistress in the Nationals.  After spending 33 years without a Major League team, the city found baseball once again when the Expos moved to town in 2005.

The excitement of acquiring a team slowly was silenced as the team struggled during its early existence which was to be expected since Montreal struggled more often than not.  Despite on the field struggles early, it appears that the development and plan of building from the ground up initiated by Stan Kasten is now showing dividends.

While acquiring standouts Stephen Strasburg and Bryce Harper in the first round of consecutive MLB drafts created a huge buzz, the team has also quietly worked to develop its players in the farm system. Ryan Zimmerman, Jordan Zimmerman, and Drew Storen are just a few names that have went through the Nats system and are making a splash for the team. Being able to develop players in the minors and combining with acquisitions of Adam LaRoche and Gio Gonzalez has helped the team combine young with old, experienced with not so much, all to come together for the "perfect storm" so to speak.



When the season started, the question was if the Nationals could compete this season or if they were still a year away.  Now it seems that we will not be relegated to waiting until next season as DC fans often find themselves having to do.

The winning has helped to garner a following of new fans to go along with the baseball purists and is helping to make Washington more of a baseball town.  Sure, it is unlikely that the team will ever take the lead away from the Skins but they certainly are giving fans in the area something to cheer for.

I, myself, have always been an avid fan of the Oakland A's but I can't help myself from falling in love with the Nats.  They are on a tear and adversity to this point of the season has not effected the teams overall performance.  Just when a tough loss or a mini losing streak appears to have taken the wind out of the sails, the team responds in a positive manner.

Led by Davey Johnson, Washington is instilled with a no nonsense, blue collar attitude and it is fun and exciting to watch as a baseball fan.  While there are still many games left to play, it appears that this team may be headed to an appearance in the postseason, a first since they have moved to Washington.



If that is the case, Washington fans may be overwhelmed come October when they will not only have football but also baseball to follow, something I'm sure most DC sports fans would relish!!

The Dream Team can't lose

Recently, I've been hearing the debate that this years USA Olympic basketball team could beat the first ever Olympic team formed of professional basketball players in 1992.

That team was deemed the "Dream Team" and even Kobe Bryant has come out and said his team could win against that '92 squad.  My question to Kobe is, "Are you seriously crazy?"

Before you ask, yes I was a youngster when the team led by Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird...etc was rocking the world but that doesn't mean that I no longer follow basketball.  It doesn't even mean that I don't like today's players. Quite the contrary, I am a fan of Kobe and a fan of Lebron James among others.

And now after the team has played in some exhibition games, I can't fathom that this squad which has struggled against the likes of Argentina and Spain could overcome a team that's smallest margin of victory was 32 points which came in the gold medal game against Croatia in Barcelona.

The average margin of victory for the team was almost 44 points and with 14 combined victories between the Olympic games and the Tournament of the Americas, which was an exhibition warmup, there is no doubt in my mind that the original Dream Team would blister the team led by Bryant on both ends of the court.

Nearly all of the 1992 teams' players were at or near their prime and the post presence of Patrick Ewing, David Robinson, Karl Malone, and Charles Barkley cannot be rivaled by today's squad.

Sure, their is the existence of the so-called hybrid players of the present game but the lack of post play on offense or even a big man to shut down the paint on defense will leave this years' squad searching for answers.

I am rooting for our 2012 Olympic team and I am hoping that at the end of the London games they are standing in the center receiving their gold medals but regardless, in my mind they will always settle for silver when they face the Dream Team!!

Today unprecedented steps were taken against the Penn State football program shortly after the Freeh report was released following an investigation into what was and was not known regarding the horrific acts of  Jerry Sandusky, former defensive coordinator at the university.

The question that seems to be running in conversations abound is if the moves were adequate and proper given the circumstances.  While the consequences were tough and outweigh those enforced recently during NCAA reprimands of other universities such as Ohio State and USC, for example, I'm not so sure they were the right ones.

Certainly what took place during those years from the acts of Sandusky to the cover up imposed by top officials in Happy Valley far surpass the acts of illegal benefits or "Tattoo Gate", this issue is one of morality and a failure of leadership.

It seems to me that by reducing scholarships and banning bowls, the consequences are falling on those who had little if anything to do with the awful events that occured.  I think the focus has been too much on football and too little on the issue of leaders failing to be leaders.

In the Freeh reports, suggestions were made to Penn State to change it's approach to be more transparent in the way issues are to be reported and handled so that these terrible happenings do not occur again.  Top officials at the university agreed that the changes were needed and vowed to begin implementing actions to change the culture.

It seems to me that a temporary "death penalty" would have been more beneficial to take the proper time to review what need to happen and then implement the changes and show that sincerity to change is valid.  Actions speak louder than words and while not making changes would only hurt even more the image that these horrible human beings wanted to maintain at the sacrifice of innocent young children, the focus appears to have shifted to football and not what is most important at this point.

Taking the focus from football and working diligently to bring change would show what is most important  to everyone.

There will be opposing views and a concise answer to handle all that has occurred may not be clear but one thing that is certain is that by not temporarily suspending the program and taking what has now been issued by the NCAA has, in my opinion, set a football program back even further.

It will take years to get back on the recruiting trail to get top notch athletes to draw to the storied football program.  With no ability to get the national spotlight on their team for the next four years, many that seek to move to the next level will go elsewhere to attempt to be noticed when all of America is watching rather than go to a school that the country is watching for all the wrong reasons.

Will Penn State ever return?  I think they will.  The school will rebound, the football program will rebound and things will get better.  But time is needed for that to happen.  It is not something that will change overnight.  Many years of doing the right things will be needed to change the overall perception that has been tarnished by a select few.  Good luck in your endeavors. 


For all the victims that suffered at the hands of Sandusky, their lives have been affected in a way that is hard to understand unless you have been a victim yourself.  I hope only the best for those individuals and that with each day, their lives rebound in a positive manner.