Game of the Week: Franklin vs. Colonial Beach

Published 10:36 pm Tuesday, September 30, 2008

FRANKLIN—When Franklin and Colonial Beach met twice last year, it was the Drifters that came away with two victories, the second of which knocked the Broncos out of the postseason.

Both games were played at Colonial Beach last year. Friday night, Franklin will get its chance for revenge on its home field.

Franklin and Colonial Beach, both undefeated just like last year when they collided, will play in Franklin at 7 p.m.

Franklin head coach Darren Parker said that although the Broncos are looking forward to playing the Drifters, they are preparing for the game like any other.

“We will put the game plan in on Monday and execute the rest of the week,” he said. “We really feel as coaches and players that the game is won Monday through Thursday.”

Parker said he feels like the Drifters will be similar to last year.

“We know they are a well-disciplined and well-coached team, and as far as offense and defense goes, they are pretty much doing the same things as last year,” Parker said.

The Broncos have the advantage of not having to travel the three-plus hours to Colonial Beach, which sits on the Potomac River.

“We have a great home crowd and home stadium and are looking forward to playing them at home and don’t have to travel,” Parker said. “But we don’t make any excuses for a loss.”

The Drifters come into the game having defeated Rappahannock 33-19. Colonial Beach is averaging 30 points per game and has one shutout on defense.

Franklin is averaging 44 points per game and has two shutouts.

In other action Friday night:

■ Isle of Wight Academy has a big matchup at home at 7:30 p.m. against rival Broadwater Academy. Last year, Broadwater beat the Chargers during the regular season, but IWA came back and beat Broadwater in the state championship game. IWA is 5-0 and the Vikings are 5-2. Last week, Broadwater bead Kenston Forest 34-0. Their one big loss has come to Blessed Sacrament Huguenot.

“Coach Rolander has done a good job considering losing the type of athletes they had,” said IWA head coach Dale Chapman. “We’re planning on that being a real tough game for us. Our guys are going into this week knowing this is a big game. It’s a situation where everybody’s got to stay focused and be ready, and we are going to have to respond as players and play the game.”

■ Southampton hosts Bay Rivers Conference opponent Warhill at 7:30 p.m. The Indians beat Warhill last season. Both teams come into the game without a win. Southampton is 0-4 and Warhill is 0-4 and has not won a game since the school opened last year.

■ Windsor hosts Arcadia at 7 p.m. The Dukes are 4-1, while Arcadia is 0-5. The Firebirds have been blown out three straight games.

■ Southampton Academy hosts Tidewater Academy at 7:30 p.m. in a Virginia Commonwealth Conference matchup. Tidewater (0-5) is looking for its first win of the season.