COAL GROVE – Secondary take cover.

Thursday, September 20, 2001

COAL GROVE – Secondary take cover. It’s the Air Raid offense of the Raceland Rams.

Coal Grove ‘s secondary will be put to a major test this week as the Hornets try to defend the pass-happy offense of the Rams.

Raceland coach Randy Vanderhoof spent some time last summer talking with former University of Kentucky assistant coach Tony Franklin and Valdosta State coach Chris Hatcher – both disciples of former Valdosta and UK coach Hal Mumme – on how to operate the "Air Raid" offense.

The Rams decided to switch offenses this season after going 1-9 last year.

"We don’t play any team who does what they do," Hornets coach Nick Miller said. "We’ve never faced anyone who has thrown on almost every down. The get in a shotgun and keep throwing it."

Quarterback Sam McKee (5-9, 140) leads the offense and has a receiving corps of Tommy Cumpton (5-9, 130), Tyler Riffe (6-0, 150), Josh Brown (6-1, 210), Brian Ross (6-1, 175), and Matt Boyd (6-0, 170).

"They look pretty good," Miller said. "They have some small skilled players, but they have a big line."

The interior line is anchored by Billy Schnitzker, a 6-foot-3, 260-pound senior. Also up front are senior Nick Braden (6-0, 200) and junior Todd Fannin (5-11, 180).

If Coal Grove plans to shut down the Rams attack, the secondary will have to play at its best and get a good rush from its defensive line.

"Our strength is our skilled kids and secondary. We have more kids who can play there. We just hope we can move the ball and keep their offense sitting over (on the sidelines).

Coal Grove is 2-2 after beating Vinton County 9-6 in overtime last week. Miller would like to see his team continue to build some momentum going into the Ohio Valley Conference next week.

"We feel good about winning two games in a row, but we know we’re playing a good team. We can win if we play well and don’t give it away," Miller said.