Charleston Saturday Gazette

September 15, 2007

Nitro will test Spring Valley pass defense

Spring Valley’s pass defense hasn’t been too shabby so far this season, but the acid test comes tonight when the Timberwolves square off with Nitro.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. at Laidley Field. The game was moved because Nitro’s Underwood Field doesn’t have its new bleachers installed yet. Both teams are 1-1.

Against St. Albans and Greenbrier East, Spring Valley’s pass defense has allowed just 11 completions in 27 attempts (40.7 percent) for 112 yards and no touchdowns. The Wolves have picked off two passes.

However, Spring Valley is quite familiar with what havoc Nitro quarterback Michael Scott can create for a defense. In last year’s 61-28 Wildcats win over the Wolves, Scott threw for 409 yards and five scores. He completed 23-of-30 throws.

The Timberwolves banked on their defense last week, allowing just 197 net yards and forcing three turnovers in a 23-6 win over previously unbeaten Greenbrier East.

Nitro was recently bolstered by the addition of three transfers from the Huntington area — receiver-linebacker Lindsey Johnson, running back-defensive back Larry West and two-way lineman Zeke Goodrich.