Published: October 31, 2008 12:54 am      

Woodrow gets a shot at No. 3

Whatever happens with Woodrow Wilson this season — the No. 13 Flying Eagles are currently in playoff push mode — there is evidence that Woodrow is in good shape for the future.

The freshman team recently finished an undefeated season.

And the Eagles will return a multitude of players who have figured big in the team’s 5-3 record this season.

How far Woodrow will go this season will hinge on its final two games.

The first is tonight, against No. 3 George Washington (8-1) at Van Meter Stadium. The Flying Eagles conclude the regular season next week versus Spring Valley. Kickoff for tonight’s game is 7:30.

With the freshman season concluded, Lilly and staff called up 22 of the 37 freshman players to help finish off the regular season.

“They did have an outstanding season,” Lilly said. “We have some guys down there who are really going to help us in the future. It’s exciting to watch, but we still have to continue this year before we think ahead.”

And that starts with a talented Patriot team which boasts two talented tailbacks as well as returning Huff Award winner Rodney Hudson.

“They have a lot of talent,” Lilly said. “Their two tailbacks are among the best in the state. I’d say the Jones kid is definitely one of the top three running backs in West Virginia.”

He was referring to Greg Jones, who is fourth in the MSAC in rushing and averages about 6.5 yards per carry. Quarterback Taylor Norman has completed 53-of-94 passing for 1,076 yards and 13 touchdowns. He has been picked off only five times.

As for Woodrow Wilson, the Eagles have come close to passing for 200 yards in each of their last two games with senior three-year starter Ryan Stafford back behind center.

“There is no doubt that our ability to throw the ball has opened up some of the things we’ve been able to do with our running game,” Lilly said. “Teams can’t just sit nine guys in the box. And that isn’t a knock on Dominique (Hairston, who replaced Stafford, who was injured, for five games this year). He did a lot for us, especially with his ability to run the football. But Ryan is a three-year starter and he has run this offense a longer time.”

Vashawn Wood is the Eagles’ leading rusher with 697 yards and he has 1,316 yards total offense when factoring in receiving and return yardage. Rakeem Fowlkes has 519 yards.

There are several marquee games dotting tonight’s docket, including Greenbrier West at Fayetteville, Pocahontas County at Webster County and Mount Hope at Meadow Bridge.

Kickoff is 7:30 for all of tonight’s games.

— E-mail:

demorrison@register-herald.com