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WDHS Week 5 Football Forecast: On the Road to Woodbury

West Deptford travels for the first time this season.

The West Deptford High School football team looks to improve to 4-1 as it takes to the road to take on a Woodbury team that is winners of two in a row. This Colonial Conference cross-division game sets up well for an Eagles team that has pounded teams with its running attack, as Woodbury has struggled against the run at times this season.

Below is a look at some of the key players and situations to watch for Saturday morning. And if you can’t make it out to the game, remember to check back with West Deptford Patch and follow along with our live blog from the game.

WEST DEPTFORD AT WOODBURY, Saturday, 10:30 a.m.

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West Deptford (3-1)

Last game: Defeated Haddon Heights, 49-6.

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Last game against Woodbury: Won 28-6. Led by 180 yards rushing from Vaughn Scott and 112 by Robbie Fearon, the Eagles gave the Thundering Herd its only regular season loss of the year.

Key Player: Lineman Josh Roane. Stat sheets don’t do a player like Roane justice. He is a major part of an offensive line that opens up massive running lanes and is a disruptive force on the defensive line. Look for Roane to cause fits for Woodbury quarterback Anthony Averett, with his ability to both rush and contain.

Three keys to the game:

–Follow the Haddon Heights template. The Garnets got what they wanted in the air and on the ground two weeks ago in a 34-12 victory over Woodbury. Heights ran for over 250 yards and passed for another 196. West Deptford isn’t likely to put up that many passing yards, but coach Clyde Folsom has found a way to maximize the pass plays he does call, and produce big gains. Look for the Eagles to strike early in the passing game before relying on a heavy dose of handoffs.

–Keeping Averett under wraps. It’s not known if the Eagles will use one of their defenders as a “spy” on the Woodbury quarterback, but stopping him will certainly be priority No. 1. Linebackers will have to be very alert on play fakes and misdirections as the Herd like to get Averett to the outside, where he can showcase his breakaway speed.

–Handle the road atmosphere. It’s not often a team makes it all the way to Week 5 before having to compete in a road game. Add in that the game is Saturday morning and not Friday night, and it is clear that game preparation is a little different this week. The Eagles have done remarkably well in the penalty department and will need that discipline this week as the Herd are sure to be pumped up after winning two-straight to even their record.

Woodbury (2-2)

Last game: Defeated Lindenwold, 48-14.

Last game against West Deptford: Quarterback Anthony Averett ran 17 times for 156 yards, but the Woodbury defense had no answer for the rushing attack of West Deptford, surrendering over 300 yards.

Key player: Quarterback Anthony Averett. The junior has come into his own over the last year and a half, and is serious home run threat. Last week Averett ran for three touchdowns and passed for two more in a landslide win.

Three keys to the game:

–Get the offense going early. The 48 points scored against Lindenwold does not tell the full story of the Herd’s offense. In the preceding games, Woodbury scored just six, 12 and 14 points, going 1-2 over that span. Woodbury is going to need to put up a bunch of points if they are to stay in this game.

–Find a supporting cast. Averett has established himself as one of the premiere players in the Colonial Conference, but he cannot do it all himself. Woodbury needs more production from Jeray Bemby and Tyrone Bundy, who have shown flashes this season.

–Contain Phil Fisher and Connor Smith. Gerald Towns and Josh Cornelius will get their touches in the running game and will be a bundle for Woodbury defenders. However, it is the monster gains that Smith and Fisher have been breaking off in their limited touches that have really frustrated opposing defenses. The Herd need to be aware that when either player is in, or motions into the backfield, they are a threat to run the ball.

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