Schools
Game Preview: Timberland Facing Mighty Challenge Against Francis Howell
The Wolves will host the 2-0 Francis Howell Vikings in a 7 p.m. kickoff on Friday night. If Timberland can run the ball with success, they may be able to pull a surprise.
The Francis Howell Vikings (2-0) will try to remain unbeaten tonight when they visit a 1-1 team for a 7 p.m. kickoff.
The Vikings have steamrolled their first two opponents by a combined score of 102-24, and are expected to keep it on cruise control as they take on a team that went 4-6 in 2010 while Howell finished with a 10-2 mark.
Timberland opened its season with a 62-34 win at home against Howell North, but fell last week in their first road test at Troy, 34-17. The Wolves’ best chance will be to shorten the game by keeping the ball on the ground, as their defense will likely not be much of a match for Howell’s dynamic passing attack.
Timberland may have to double team Vikings senior receiver Corey King to stop him, but this should give senior Howell quarterback Eric Siebenshuh easy check-down options as an alternative. Running the ball will also help Timberland offset a strong Vikings pass rush that features defensive end Josh Brown, who had 23 varsity sacks coming into this season.
Leading the Wolves ground attack is Lucas Jordan, who has 325 yards in 43 carries. Ben Steinkamp has been a reliable receiver with nine receptions for 22 yards.
Howell will also look to control the pace of the game, and get out to a quick, assertive start being the favorite to win. If the Vikings can put the Timberwolves behind early, they should be able to improve to a 3-0 start as they head towards a marquee matchup with Fort Zumwalt West next week.