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Spartans eager for rematch with Clinton-Massie

Waynesville quarterback Cory Young and the Spartan offense will need to generate more than the nine points they scored in a Week 2 loss to Clinton-Massie when they engage the Falcons in the first round of the Division IV playoffs on Saturday, Nov. 7. Staff photo by Scott Hayes

Photo by Scott Hayes Waynesville quarterback Cory Young and the Spartan offense will need to generate more than the nine points they scored in a Week 2 loss to Clinton-Massie when they engage the Falcons in the first round of the Division IV playoffs on Saturday, Nov. 7. Staff photo by Scott Hayes

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By Scott Hayes, Staff Writer 12:10 PM Thursday, November 5, 2009

There is no mystery between Waynesville and Clinton-Massie’s football teams — only history.

When the Spartans visit their arch-rival on Saturday, Nov. 7, for a Division IV playoff game, they seek to snap a five-game losing streak to the Falcons — including a 13-9 loss at home back on Sept. 4.

“There’s no secrets between us. It’s going to be a test of wills,” Waynesville coach Glen Burchfield said. “We’re trying not to look at it as another installment in the rivalry, but rather as Week 11, a playoff game.

“But, there’s no doubt that it’s pretty special for the area that we’re playing each other in the playoffs. For both sides, I think.”

Offense

The Falcons (10-0) won’t try to fool Waynesville (8-2) with their wishbone/power-I offense.

They’ll line up behind a mammoth offensive line — Burchfield calls them “road-graders” — and feed running back Jordan Scanlon the ball. Scanlon has rushed for a Falcon record 1,600 yards this season.

“They’re going to do what they do no matter what,” Burchfield said. “They are 10-0 and have dictated to teams all season long.”

Quarterback Jake Richardson has developed into a viable threat running the option, leading the Falcons to an average of 31.8 points per game.

“They only pass when they have to or an occasional play-action when the ground game is working that is really effective,” Burchfield said. “That’s what we want to make them do — throw the ball. We have to stop their ground game, and if that means putting nine guys in the box, then that’s what we’ll do.”

Defense

Massie’s defense has been near impenetrable as the Falcons surrendered only 53 points in 10 games. They have recorded four shutouts, including three in the last four games.

Inside linebacker Gunner Calhoun is healthy after missing the season finale and will zone in on stopping Waynesville’s record-setting running back Seth Millar.

“The key for us will be to eliminate mistakes,” Burchfield said. “We actually outgained them in yardage earlier in the year, but we had two turnovers that led to their points and had penalties and dropped passes kill potential scoring drives.

“You can’t beat a good team in a close ball game making those kinds of mistakes. We’re going to have to change things up a bit offensively to get more production out of ourselves.”

Intangibles

The streak: Waynesville’s seniors were despondent after the Sept. 4 loss, thinking they’d have the stigma of never beating Clinton-Massie during their careers.

Now, they get a second chance.

“We’re trying to look at it as a playoff game, but I have to tell you that our kids were excited to get another shot at Massie,” Burchfield said.

The streak could work both ways, though. The Falcons will be playing with the confidence of having never lost to Waynesville.

The weather: For the first time in six weeks, the forecast is supposed to be good weather for Saturday.

That could play in the Spartans’ favor.

“We feel we have the advantage in team speed,” Burchfield said. “We want to spread it out and nice weather will help us, we hope.

Prediction

Clinton-Massie 22, Waynesville 21.

Key m

atch-up

Waynevsille sophomore DT Isaac Hammonds vs. Clinton-Massie junior OL Mike Stinger

This game will be decided in the trenches. How well Hammonds and the Spartan defensive line contain the Falcon running attack will be key.

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Be careful what you wish for. You will get Massie and then some. It isn't the first game of the year and it isn't at Waynesville this time! It wont even be close. Massie is too big and tough on both lines and Richardson can crush you with not only his legs but he can pass too. Your seniors will finish their career having NEVER beat Massie. Massie will roll them by 3 TD's.

Massie Fan
1:39 AM, 11/7/2009

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