Search This Blog

Wednesday, November 02, 2005

Eagles move beyond loss to Nitro, get ready for GW


For Woodrow Wilson’s football team, it’s been business as usual this week.

The Flying Eagles have put their 32-21 loss at Nitro last week behind them and are focusing on Friday night’s game with George Washington.

“You get ready for the next opponent and you don’t cry over spilt milk,” coach John H. Lilly said. “The only things on our minds right now is George Washington.”

With the loss, Woodrow (8-1) fell from the No. 1 spot it had held throughout the season to No. 3 in the Class AAA ratings.

Morgantown (9-0) is the new No. 1, followed by Jefferson (9-0) and Woodrow and Nitro tied at No. 3.

Lilly emphasized that nothing has changed because of the defeat.

“We’re the same old team we were this time last week,” he said. “Two good teams squared off and both battled hard. That’s the way it was.

“We played in front of a hostile environment and hopefully we learned from that.”

Lilly is taking nothing for granted when Woodrow plays George Washington at Laidley Field in Charleston.

The Patriots have a pair of outstanding players in running back Daniel Barnes, a three-year starter, and 6-foot-3 receiver Tawon Wallace.

“I think they’re a very good team and their record (1-8) doesn’t indicate how good they are,” Lilly said. “Barnes is a two-time first-team all-stater and Wallace has signed with Eastern Kentucky. He can fly.

“They make George Washington a pretty good football team. Their record is highly indicative of the schedule they play.”

Woodrow will counter with a potent offense that has gained over 2,000 yards on the ground and 600 through the air.

Running back Marcus Manns, who now has 980 yards on the season, ran for a touchdown and had 57 yards rushing. Quarterback Ian McCulloch threw for 123 yards, including two TD passes to Tyler Coleman.

The Flying Eagles are a bit beaten up, however.

“Austin Peters (a senior linebacker, offensive guard and punter) will not play,” said Lilly, who is prohibited by federal regulations from discussing Peters’ injury.

“When you play the schedule we’ve played, one of the best and hardest in the state, you’ll get some kids banged up.

“But they’re playing through it and we’re proud of them.”

No comments:

Walrus Archive