Quarterback Justin Beneck and Wilmington Friends take on Tatnall on Saturday afternoon.
Tatnall football coach Jody Russell knows what Wilmington Friends football coach Bob Tattersall likes to run. And Tattersall knows just as much about Russell.
“Bob can sit here and tell you exactly what I’m going to do on every play, and I can do the same for him,” Russell said. “We’re all very familiar with each other.”
So execution will likely trump trickery on Saturday afternoon when Friends plays host to Tatnall in a huge Independent Conference showdown. Kickoff is at 2:30.
“There may be a few wrinkles here and there, but basically it comes down to what you have confidence in,” Tattersall said. “You try not to reinvent the wheel too much and outsmart yourself.”
The Quakers (5-1, 0-0), ranked seventh statewide in Division II, have confidence in the running game, fueled by three-year starting quarterback Justin Beneck, halfback Henry Gise and fullback Andrew Jaworski.
“They run the ball,” Russell said. “And when they catch you loading up on the run, they’ll throw. They’re opportunistic when they throw, because most of the time it’s going to be a big play, if not a touchdown.”
The ninth-ranked Hornets (5-1, 1-0) have one of the state’s most explosive offenses, led by running back Sam Ragland (674 yards, 10 touchdowns), quarterback Carl Marvin (775 yards passing, 8 TDs) and receiver Cam Easton (22 catches, 359 yards, 5 TDs).
“Tatnall is having a great year,” Tattersall said. “They have a lot of ways to be successful. They’ve got good skill people, they’re wide open, and they have an excellent running back and good line.”
Tatnall’s Sam Ragland, seen ion this file photo, has 674 yards and 10 touchdowns on the season.
The Hornets scored too quickly for their own good in their only loss, a 47-41 setback at Harford Tech (Md.). Tatnall racked up its points in just 36 plays, while its defense wore down from an 80-play assault. But defensive coordinator Anthony Wright made some adjustments, and the Hornets have allowed just 38 points in their last four games.
“Personnel-wise, we’re a lot better equipped to handle things,” Russell said. “It also helps that we’ve got athletes that can cover. It frees up some of the linebackers to read things.”
The Quakers have won the last four meetings, including a 61-22 victory last year. Tatnall’s large senior class remembers those past defeats, and Russell believes they will be ready.
“Their focus this year is so much better,” the Hornets’ coach said. “They’re focusing on the details, the game plan and sticking to what they’re being taught to do. I think that makes all the difference in the world.
“This is the way you want it to be,” Russell added. “We’ve worked hard. We’re both going to be vying for the conference championship. Obviously, this game has huge playoff implications. And so far, the moment hasn’t been too big for our kids yet.”
Contact Brad Myers at bmyers@delawareonline.com. Follow on Twitter: @BradMyersTNJ.