FLORENCE — With 31 seniors and four Division I commitments, the West Florence Knights had high hopes of contending for a region title and making a deep playoff run this season.
On Friday, they’ll get their first opportunity to make a statement in Region 6-4A.
West Florence takes on Conway at Memorial Stadium in the Morning News Game of the Week, and the Knights will be looking for their first win against the Tigers since 1989.
“We’d have liked to gone into this game coming off a win (against Greenwood), but I think it was a good game leading into this one,” West coach Trey Woodberry said. “It was a very physical game and I think the speed (of the game) will benefit us against Conway.”
The Knights will face a well-balanced team in Conway, whose only loss came on a late field goal to Myrtle Beach.
“Coach (Chuck) Jordan and most of his staff have been there for a while, and their team is very well coached,” Woodberry said. “They’re fundamentally sound on both sides of the ball. They’re aggressive on defense, don’t miss too many tackles and they don’t miss too many blocks on offense.
“That consistency is why they’ve been able to win so many region titles through the years.”
For the Knights to succeed, Woodberry said they will have to correct two things that have been plaguing them all year.
“We have to make sure we hold onto the ball and we have to make sure we don’t give up the big play on third down,” Woodberry said. “We have to get our running game established as well.”
Jordan and his coaching staff were able to watch West play Greenwood during their off week, but Jordan isn’t putting too much stock into what he saw.
“They looked a little flat to start off with, but watching them on film, we know they’re as talented as any team we’ve faced or will face this season,” Jordan said. “It’s amazing the level of talent they have on that team.”
One of the keys for the Tigers will be establishing a running game, something every team this season has had trouble with.
“We want to be able to run the ball and not have the other team dictate when we have to throw,” Jordan said. “That’s not an easy thing to do against West Florence, but you don’t want to get in a situation where they know you have to throw and they can come after you.”
On defense, one of Conway’s big concern will be containing Knights quarterback Paul Pizzuti, Jordan said.
“I’ve been really impressed with him, especially late in that Greenwood game,” Jordan said. “He makes good throws and has the ability to run and make plays as well. It’s always important to keep a quarterback like that from hurting you too much.”
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