As the weeks are grinding down in the West Virginia football season, the Scott Skyhawks are in a bit of a bind. With only winning one game in the last five weeks, the Skyhawks are sitting at 1-4 in the cardinal conference. Due to the Corona Virus, there has been two games cancelled within their schedule, but they look to make up for it as the season draws to a close. It seems the defensive side of the ball is our strong-suit. The offense only averages 106 yards a game while the defense only allows 150 yards. The four losses have amounted to a combined nine points. Although being ranked last in the conference, the Skyhawks statistically have one of the best defenses in the state. Defensive Coordinator, Nick Shreve, is the mastermind behind this outstanding performance.
“I tell my guys that we have to play as if we are down by one with five seconds left,” says Coach Shreve. He most certainly has stressed the urge to the young defense that they must have a dominant effect since the offense really can’t get a start. “Our starting linebacker, Gunner Flores, has over twelve sacks and fifteen tackles for loss this season.” “You’re going to want to watch him for the next few years for sure.” The Skyhawks currently do not play any seniors on the team due to not having any. The lack of a leadership role among the players is also what may be affecting their ability to perform. “Majority of or starting defense has never seen varsity football in their life. We are a very young team.” – Nick Shreve The Skyhawks face their next challenge this week on a Tuesday night against the Ripley Vikings. It has been over 24 years since these two teams have met on the grid iron. The triple A Vikings boast a 3-2 record with wins over Lincoln County and Upshur. Can the Skyhawks devise an offensive scheme that will get them rolling here in late October, or will the defense have to hold their own once again to get a shot. “Ripley has a good running back that we have to key on for this game so the strategy is to follow him,” said Coach Shreve on what his game plan was for the defense this week. Gunner Flores is also looking to break a school record with the most amount of sacks in a season with sixteen, he currently sits with twelve. “At the rate he’s playing, he may set a state record.”
Tanner Halstead 