Fort Walton Beach, Crestview meet with playoff implications on line
By RANDY DICKSON
Florida Freedom Newspapers
(850) 682-6524|randyd@crestviewbulletin.com
There will be a playoff atmosphere tonight at Jack Foster Stadium when Fort Walton Beach travels to Crestview in an all-important District 2-4A football game.
The Vikings (6-0, 1-0) are riding high and ranked No. 3 in the state and have given up just 27 points this year. Fort Walton Beach can wrap up at least a chance at a playoff with a victory. If the Vikings win and Choctawhatchee defeats Navarre, the Vikings and the Indians would be seal postseason berths.
Crestview (2-4, 0-1) is in desperate need of a victory after losing to Choctaw 31-28 in the district opener two weeks ago.
"It's a must-win for us to control our own destiny," Bulldog coach Matt Brunson said. "If we don't win, Navarre (playing Choctaw tonight) controls our destiny.
"If we lose and Choctaw wins‚ we'll finish off our season at the end of the regular season."
Viking coach Mike Owens is concerned about a Crestview team with nothing to lose.
"They are in a situation where they have their backs to the wall and have to win, or feel they have to win or they are out of the district race," he said. "So I think it's a dangerous situation.
"We are going to have to go up there and execute well and play hard for four quarters. It's going to be a tough game, and I'm sure it will be right up to the end."
The Bulldogs have only played one team with a losing record and the combined record of Crestview's opponents is 28-14. Viking defensive tackle Akeem Spence doesn't see the Bulldogs as a 2-4 team.
"They have a lot of speed and everybody knows that," he said. "They should have a better record, but they've lost some close games in the fourth quarter so we are not taking them lightly.
"We are taking this like it's a playoff game."
If the Bulldogs are to have a chance, they must find a way to score against what seems to be an immovable Viking defense.
"We have to find a way to hold the ball and run the clock," Crestview offensive lineman Darius Smith said. "It's important for us to keep their offense off the field because they do have an explosive offense."
Bulldog running back Jordan Glover, who is coming off a pair of 200-yard games, could be the key to Crestview's strategy and Owens knows it.
"Jordan's a strong, physical specimen," Owens said. "He's had the hot hand the last few weeks as they've settled into their offense.
"We are going to have to get a lot of people around him and gang tackle him."
Viking quarterback Luke Barnes, who has thrown 10 touchdown passes without an interception, expects to see a tough Bulldog defense.
"We know they are a real physical team with a lot of speed," he said. "Their lineman are pretty quick just like ours so we have to find their weak spots and execute."
Crestview linebacker Ben Baber knows his unit will have to try and match the Viking defense.
"They can throw the ball well and they have a running game that compliments their passing," he said. "They have a good offense and really stout defense.
"If we can hold them to about 14 points I think we have a chance to win the game."
