Posted: Oct 29, 2015
EMORY, Va. - Emory & Henry football (5-2, 3-1 ODAC) is coming off a 44-24 victory over Catholic (3-4, 1-3 ODAC) last Saturday in Washington, D.C. Although the Wasps were outgained by a small margin, E&H won the turnover battle and were able to earn a victory in the conference matchup. This week, the Wasps face a huge test in their final home game of the season. The #18 Washington and Lee Generals (7-0, 4-0 ODAC) come to Emory this Saturday in a game for first place in the conference. The Generals and their triple option offense come into the game boasting the number one rush offense in the country at 442 yards per game. The E&H defensive unit will surely have its hands full in this game.
The defense has been a strength for the Emory & Henry team. Currently, the Wasps have the top ranked defense in the ODAC giving up the fewest overall yards and the fewest rush yards in the league. Against the potent rushing attack of W & L, every member of the defense will need to be ready to step up and make tackles. Ryan Byrd, who is third in the ODAC in tackles with 72, will be relied upon to make key stops. Linebackers Rennel Marshall, Rasheen Williams, and Andrew Long are second, third, and fourth on the team in tackles, respectively. This linebacker corps will need to stop running back Marshall Hollerith and quarterback Charlie Nelson, who are both among the top five rushers in the ODAC. The Generals do not look to throw the ball very often as they average only 6.2 pass attempts per game and 65.7 yards. That means opportunities will be scarce for the defensive backs. Cornerback Tre'von Lightfoot has been stellar for the Wasps in the defensive backfield this season as he leads the country in passes defended with 17 on the year and has picked off four passes as well. The number one ranked defense in the ODAC will need for everyone to be disciplined and make tackles in order to stop the high-powered running game of the Generals.
Last season, the Wasps defeated the Generals 36-9 behind a 568 yard offensive outburst. In the game, Kevin Saxton threw for a career-high 379 yards and two touchdowns. Saxton is starting to hit his stride this year as well. In the past three games, the sophomore has thrown for 858 yards and has accounted for eight touchdowns. Freshman Tyree Ward continues to be Saxton's favorite target, leading the Wasps in receptions, yards, and touchdowns this season. Sophomores Isaiah Rodgers and Chris Thompson are almost even in carries and yards per game. Having depth at the running back position is essential for E&H's balanced offense. Like last season, the Wasps will need to jump on the Generals early to help contain the run game of W&L.
The special teams of the Wasps have also been a bright spot this year. Senior Chris Bingham currently leads the ODAC in punts inside the 20 yard line with 16. He is averaging 38.7 yards per punt and only three of his 44 punts have been touchbacks. Freshman, Skyler Simcox, has been crucial for the Wasps as well. He has made the most field goals in the conference and is fifth in the ODAC in scoring.
The Wasps final home game of the season versus #18 ranked Washington and Lee is designated Senior Day in conjunction with Family Weekend. Fans should expect a huge crowd for this crucial matchup. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at Fred Selfe Stadium.
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-photo courtesy of Caleb Johnston E&H '15