Patriots’ running game strong

Published 5:20 pm Tuesday, September 6, 2011

The Westover Patriots, the Bainbridge  Bearcats’ opponent Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Albany’s Hugh Mills Memorial Stadium, will feature a strong running game.

The leader of that solid ground attack is junior running back Dalviness “Deion” Greene.

In the Patriots’ 42-7 season-opening victory over Mitchell County, Greene rushed for 202 yards.

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In Friday night’s 13-7 victory over Westover’s city rival, the Albany Indians, Greene had another big night, picking up 274 yards on 30 carries and scoring two touchdowns.

Senior tackle Chris Green leads the Patriots defense. He constantly penetrated and got pressure on Albany’s offense Friday night.

The Patriots’ offense is run by junior quarterback Jackie Childs, who is equally adept at throwing and running. One of his favorite targets when he drops back to throw is junior wide receiver Anthony Hill, who will also play cornerback on defense.

The thing that most impresses Bainbridge head coach Ed Pilcher the most about the Patriots is the size of their lines.

“Westover’s offensive and defensive lines are both very big,” the Bearcats’ head coach said. “We will have to do a good job up front.

“They operate from a Pro-I formation on offense and have a base 4-3 look on defense.”

Pilcher said he is not sure if running back Damian Bouie, who injured his ankle early against Cairo, will be able to play Friday night against the Patriots. Bouie did not practice Monday.

“If Damian is not able to go, Aaron Calloway will step in,” Pilcher said. “He came in against Cairo and did a good job.”