Atlantic Shores (0-0) at Covenant (0-0), 5 p.m., VISAA.tv
The basics: Covenant’s 2013 football squad seems intent on proving the perception that a small roster can’t have a big impact flat out wrong. And with the dynamic group of athletes the Eagles have in place that certainly seems like a possibility. The Eagles boast new addition Quane Washington, a speedster who should give them a jolt of athleticism on both sides of the ball. They also have several multi-sport standouts in the lineup, but they have to replace big-time players like John Meade. They’ll get an early test too in an Atlantic Shores squad that should be better than its two-win record in 2012 this season.
Key matchup: Covenant’s standout linebacker trio of Austin Llera, Gus Rose and Drew Gaffney go head to head with Atlantic Shores tailback Brehon Britt. Britt rushed for more than 1,300 yards last season as a sophomore. He’s a basketball star too, but he’s no slouch at tailback which means the three returners that make up the linebacking corps will have their hands full as they try and stop him. If Llera, Rose and Gaffney can play assignment football, Covenant can take care of business.
Who to watch: Covenant quarterbacks Jay Gaffney and Gus Rose. The Eagles are going to start the year, apparently, with a two-quarterback system. And in this case, with the tandem’s complimentary skills, the old “if you have two quarterbacks, you don’t have one” adage may not apply. Rose has more experience at the varsity level, but Gaffney was hurt last year, and may have even ended up as the starter over Brady Doyle, an honorable mention All-Scrimmage Play selection last year. Both will surely play some role defensively and on special teams, so splitting time may be a blessing for the two signal-callers as they try and shoulder other responsibilities.
The line: Covenant by 3. The Eagles’ depth may wear thin as the year drags on, but it’s early and they’re coming out of camp healthy. If Rose and Gaffney can be productive, Covenant can get off on the right foot.
