The collective hearts of the West Ridge coaching staff skipped more than a few beats when senior starting quarterback Trey Frazier was forced from last week’s scrimmage against Gate City after just one series.
But Wolves’ coach Justin Hilton said Frazier is cleared and ready to start when West Ridge hosts Volunteer Friday in the 2024 season opener for both squads.
“That’s what we are anticipating,” said Hilton, when asked if his star quarterback would play against the Falcons.
But Hilton also said the Wolves are prepared either way.
“We are ready with our younger guys (sophom*ore Isaac McGee and freshman (Justice Hilton) if need be,” continued Hilton.
Frazier missed the last half of the 2023 season with an injury, but the Wolves had a senior backup in Bryson Horne.
“A sophom*ore and a freshman is not going to help your cause any,” added Hilton. “That would affect our offense a lot, it would cut the offense in half. We would look
like Sullivan North from 2008 probably.”
First-year Volunteer coach Mike Castle also expects Frazier to play and be a problem for his Falcon defense.
“Frazier scrambling is a concern,” cautioned Castle. “When he gets loose, do you have that one guy that’s going to tackle him? And when he gets outside, he’s got a little speed on him.”
Under Castle, the Falcons may resemble 1908.
“I think what he (Castle) is doing is smart,” said Hilton. “They are getting in the I, they are not over complicating things. I’m sure he’s got some of those Southwest Virginia roots still in there with him and they are going to run the football.”
Castle admits there’s not much secrecy regarding his attack.
“For us, we are going to try to keep the ball away from them. If they ain’t got it, they can’t score,” explained Castle. “So we are going to try and hold the football and my kids up front think they can. That’s half the battle.”
The West Ridge offensive line and depth was fortified with the return of sophom*ore center Kingston McConnell (5-8 285). That has allowed senior Brady Osborne (6-2 240) to move out to right tackle and sophom*ore Isaac Crawford (6-1, 290) to left guard along with sophom*ore right guard Cal Tatum (6-3, 230) and junior left tackle Morgan Thornton (6-1, 265)
“That’s still three sophom*ore offensive lineman,” cautioned Hilton, “but they are getting better and we’ve found a little more depth. Plus we are bigger than we were.”
Additionally, Hayden Musick has moved back to his natural tight end position to back-up converted 6-7, 280 all-state offensive tackle Trent Tatum.
“They are going to try and mismatch a little, that’s what Justin is going to try and with his tight end,” Castle countered.
West Ridge also has length on the outside with wide receivers Caleb Mabb and Dylan Bannan.
“Those kids are not those kids they had on the outside that can just run right by you,” said Castle. “They run good routes, they try to wheel you a little bit, get you to bite up and bring an inside guy on a wheel route.”
The Falcons also feature a good-sized offensive line with three of five starters returning.
“Our guys up front may have a little bit more experience,” added Castle. “We’ll try to control the clock and stay ahead of the chains.”
West Ridge will see Falcon sophom*ore quarterback Jameson Mowell a second time. Mowell made his first start against the Wolves last season.
And in a rarity, Volunteer has speed and depth at its skill position spots.
“He (Mowell) played pretty well against us in his first game as a freshman,” said Hilton. “I’m sure he’s got more confidence. He throws the quick game well and he can run a little bit. He’s just running the offense and getting the ball to those other guys.
“The running back is the real deal. (Keelin) Releford is good. He can go score at any point. And they got some big ‘ol linemen.”
Hilton said the Volunteer defensive scheme is an unfamiliar one as well.
“They are in a 3-3 and bringing it,” explained Hilton. “We’ve not seen anybody in a true 3-3 in a long time. They have a big strong defensive end and their linebackers are really good, very active and fly around.”
Castle inherits a team that was winless last season and has won only one game in two years.
“The way they are playing on film, you can’t tell that,” said Hilton. “They played well against Daniel Boone in a scrimmage. They had a pick-six and returned a fumble like 100 yards for a touchdown.
“Coach Castle has kids coming back out, they are excited and they are going to play hard for him because he’s a likeable guy.”
Kickoff from the Ridge Friday night is set for 7:00 p.m.
