DUBLIN — West Bladen will face a stiff test in Cerro Gordo on Friday when they travel to take on the Vikings of West Columbus.

“They run the spread offense with pistol sets and the option, so they’ll be looking to get us in a lot of one-on-one situations,” Knights coach Russell Dove said. “That means we’re really going to have to hold our ground and tackle extremely well.”

This will be the season-opener for West Columbus, but Dove said he’s got a pretty good idea who the spotlight will be on for the Viking. That includes senior quarterback Johnny McFadden and a trio of running backs — seniors Fred Evans, Marvin Edge and Marco Torres.

“The quarterback is mobile and can run or pass, and the backs are good and athletic,” Dove said. “They have some pretty good skill people that we can’t let get away from us.”

The Vikings also have senior tight end Tommy Bryant, who is a key blocker on sweeps and can catch balls across the middle.

On defense, West Columbus will offer up a 4-3 cover two with some variations, and Dove said the defensive group “has some good size.”

“They have good athletes on both sides of the ball, so we’ll have our hands full all night,” Dove added.

The Knights looked solid in their 46-0 season-opening win over South Robeson last week, but Dove says there is a lot to continue working on. That’s been the focus of practice this week.

“It’s a typical week for us — looking at film, correcting mistakes, working on our assignments,” he said. “We’re just getting better at what we want to do and getting ready to go.”

Dove’s keys to winning this week include tackling well, swarming on defense, executing and controlling the clock.

“Against a spread team, it’s important for us to control the clock and keep their offense off the field,” he added.

Kickoff on Friday is set for 7:30 p.m.

W. Curt Vincent can be reached by calling 910-862-4163.

Kenny Armstrong|Bladen Journal West Bladen senior quarterback Stefon McDonald is coming off a solid game against South Robeson and will lead the Knights on the road at West Columbus on Friday.
http://www.bladenjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/web1_WBfoots-StefonMcD1.jpgKenny Armstrong|Bladen Journal West Bladen senior quarterback Stefon McDonald is coming off a solid game against South Robeson and will lead the Knights on the road at West Columbus on Friday.

http://www.bladenjournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/web1_WBfoots-StefonMcD-C.jpg
West Bladen travels to Cerro Gordoto face West Columbus on Friday

W. Curt Vincent

cvincent@civitasmedia.com