The Feather would like to introduce a new weekly blog series titled, FC Insider. Slater Wade will be covering upcoming FC sport events and competitions while also sharing his predictions and opinions.

FC football plays its most challenging matchup this Friday night, Oct. 28. The undefeated Stone Ridge Christian Knights are looking to come into FC’s senior night and ruin it, with a strong senior running back Jonathan Callazo, averaging 13 yards a carry.

If the FC defense can clog the gaps to allow the linebackers to flow to ball they can stop him and the Stoneridge offense. Just like the Knights, the Eagles rely heavily on their running game from Slater Wade, ‘17, but if forced the Eagles can torch teams through the air. Unlike the the Eagles, the Knights only average about 55 yards passing compared to the Eagles 111 yards.

Both teams have good offenses, but in order for anyone to come away with a win it will come down to whose defense wants it more. Who can create a turnover or force a punt. At these crucial points I believe, since the Eagles offense is more balanced and adapt to making plays from nothing, the Eagles will win 37-30. The rushing game for both teams will quickly be shut down but the play action will prove to be very effective. The Knights will own special teams and score 2 TDs.

Stopping the running game is imperative if the Eagles want to win. Although the Knights’ quarterback Jacob Tanori is accurate statistically with a 129.5 passer rating, he has only thrown 30 passes all season and is a freshmen. If the Eagles can stop the run and force the pass on an inexperienced QB with good pressure, Tyler Vanderlinden, ‘17, will add to his total of interceptions, 4.

For both running backs, they look to make plays. Who ever can make the last big play will further boost its team closer to a victory. With aggressive linebacker play from Daniel Ayres, ‘17, and help from defensive tackle Matthew Tanaka, ’17, the Eagles should keep Callazo to 4 yards a carry. As for Wade, he will struggle early until he feels out the other team. Then he will provide 5 yards a carry with help from senior guard, Sage Sobrado, ’17.

Callazo will finish the game with 160 all purpose yards with 1 rushing TD and 1 Kick return TD.  Wade will finish with just over 130 all purpose yards and 2 TDs total. The QB battle will not be as close. Tyler Villines, ‘18, will have almost 200 all purpose yards and 4 TDs total with one Int. Tanori will finish with 50 all purpose yards, 2 Ints and a TD.

Stay tuned for next week’s edition on FC Insider.

This author can be reached via email: Slater Wade