Salem 38, Dinwiddie 14

[SpartanO’Yore]

Great effort by Salem tonight. Aside from a dropped TD pass in the end zone and a botched punt return, both in the first half, not too much to criticize about the Spartans’ performance. The defense was outstanding; such an incredible turnaround from last year on that end of the field.

I dare say this isn’t the most talented Dinwiddie team we’ve seen, but they’re always solid and well-coached, and pretty high on the athleticism meter. I think they’ll continue to improve, and be in the mix in Region B by November. Varina is supposedly untouchable, but we’ll see.

For Salem, starting qb Overstreet and number 66 Millard, who appeared to sustain an ankle injury tonight, need to heal up. The freshman Oliver did a very good job at quarterback tonight. The Spartans just need to keep improving in all phases. The weakness of the River Ridge District makes that a big challenge. One more apparent tuneup against Blacksburg next week, before what looks to be the last “real” regular season game, at Patrick Henry in two weeks. Not assuming anything or taking any wins for granted. Aside from PH, it’s just devolved into a *really* bad district. A challenge for Salem‘s coaches to keep finding ways to make the kids better every week.

 

[CrushBlock]

2012. 2011. Were we that bad or was the district that much better? Somewhere in between? Northside and c burg were playing in championship games around those years. I think it was better but want the official SoY take. When did the river ridge take a dive.

That being said a lot of the mistakes I mentioned in my previous post are still being made.

Alot of mistakes can be made up for with mean physicality, which this team has plenty of. Great attitude. Chippy enough but no flagrant fouls, right were you want it as a coach. You gotta have your dudes set the tone. Number 10 on defense is that guy. All 5 upfront linemen are physicality monsters. They are still having some trouble picking up backers.

If you notice, they play better the more the game goes along. I think they loosen up a bit and just start enjoying the game, makes for less mistakes. Need that confidence and attitude play one but easier said than done.

That being said the heavy load on McCadden is undeniable. 20 and 36 can be productive runners. I can’t think of a single great Salem running back that wasn’t effectively spelled. Haley had Matt Anderson 98. Andre Hairston had Joey Daniels 04. Harrison Hudson had Jonathan Clemo 07. Marty bishop had Jordan Daniels 11. Coleman Fox had Alex Ramsey 14. Deangelo Ramsey had Luke Owen 17. Isaiah persinger had Zavione Wood 19. Peyton Lewis has Jayveon Jones 23. Josiah Persinger had Jordan McCadden 24. Who does McCadden have in 26? I think they have his counterpart on the team somewhere, but the full backs have just been ok at piercing the defense for solid yards on dives but have been true fullbacks, not guys who will typically break it big (I hope they prove me wrong) and take the playmaking load off McCadden. And then at the tailback position they have no committee of runners, just a couple of guys that get to come on once McCadden is dead tired.

Maybe 20 and 36 have just not shown in practice what they need to show to be put out there more, but I want to see them pound the rock. 20 can obviously punt return, he has vision.

It used to be running back by committee, even if there was one that was just above and beyond the others. If other guys could be productive they would play quickly in the game even the first and second drive.

This game made me a believer in this team. I don’t think this team is all number 9 either. There are a host of great athletes all around. Id say this may be one of the best back up qb performances by a Salem back up qb ever? Salem is better than I thought. Even despite their mistakes so far this season, they have very good players everywhere, and could end up having a really really good season if they clean it up.

 

[Shabutie2]

I think Pearce Oliver was only the second freshman to start at QB for Salem in a game in the last 30+ years but I could be wrong. He had a VERY impressive performance… already 6’2 175 and was extremely accurate. Had a PERFECT deep ball that Crawley dropped in the first half but his TD pass to Rudisell was even more impressive… perfectly led deep ball that he threw while getting hit in the face by an unblocked 6’4 240-pound linebacker.

As for spelling McCadden, Baxley #20 is extremely talented and he will be the guy next year. I think they are trying to keep him fresh since he is so valuable on defense and returning but I think they will find ways to get the ball in his hands more as the season goes on. By the way, if anyone hasn’t seen his kick return from last night you need to check it out… probably broke 7 tackles and if he didn’t stumble in the open field and get caught it might have been a Sportscenter Top-10 play.

 

[MaroonDude]

It would be interesting for the historians here to compare the roster sizes of previous teams. NFHS says more kids playing but IDK?

 

[CrushBlock]

Maroon Dude is highlighting a real limitation.