Posted: Sep 28, 2017
EMORY, Va. - The Emory & Henry College Football Team is coming off their annual bye week following a 56-46 loss to Maryville (Tenn.) College on September 16. The game against the Scots was filled with high-scoring action as the Wasps gained 406 total yards, but gave up 586. Senior quarterback Kevin Saxton (Monroe, N.C.) played one of his best games in some time, throwing for 239 yards and a score, while completing 65% of his passes. This week, E&H will have its hands filled with the triple option offense of Washington and Lee University (2-1) as it opens Old Dominion Athletic Conference play.
Last MeetingLast season, the Wasps traveled to Lexington, Virginia to face off in their first league game. It was a rain-soaked day that saw a lot of yards gained on both sides. W&L out gained E&H 579-481. Nearly 500 yards for W&L came via the ground game, which is par for the course for the Generals. Offensively, the Wasps turned the ball over twice and possessed the ball for nearly ten minutes less than the Generals.
Emory & Henry
Despite week three's performance, the Wasps' defense remains at the top of the ODAC standings. Their number one rush defense will be tested by W&L's number one rush offense. Linebacker Harlan Faddis (Atlanta, Ga.) has been steady this season. The sophomore leads the ODAC in tackles for loss with 5.5 on the year, and is second in overall tackles with 26. Senior linebacker Zack Manley (Tobaccoville, N.C.) is second on the squad with 24 tackles.
Offensively, the Wasps boast a balanced offense. E&H averages 212 yards on the ground and 206 through the air. Derrick Yates (Abingdon, Va.) continues to be a mismatch for opponents. The 6-5 sophomore is second in the ODAC in receiving yards and has found the end zone twice this year. The team will need his big play-making ability to defeat W&L.
Washington and Lee
The Generals' potent triple option offense continues to cause fits for all of their opponents year in and year out. The team averages 377 yards on the ground with three players already amassing more than 180 yards. W&L is also second in the ODAC in scoring offense.
Defensively, the Generals give up a lot of yards through the air. Their pass defense efficiency is the second worst in the league, which leads to the team allowing the most total yards. It will be up to Saxton and his corps of wide receivers to keep the game close for the Wasps.
Key Matchup - E&H Linebackers vs. W&L Running Backs
Both units have been the cornerstones of their respective teams so far this season. The Wasps only allow 70 rush yards per game thanks to the play of the linebackers. However, W&L has two running backs that average 84 and 128 yards on the ground, respectively, with a quarterback who averages more than 60. The triple option can be a tricky offense to pin down and the Wasps' linebackers will have to be on their toes for this one.
Game Information
Please enjoy Family & Friends Weekend with us at the game. We will have great giveaways for fans who arrive early. And we will recognize alumni from the women's soccer team and cheerleading team.
Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. at Fred Selfe Stadium on the campus of Emory & Henry College. Fans are reminded that tailgating lots open at 9:00 a.m.
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