Seneca travels to Georgia for big interstate battle

Seneca (0-1) at Stephens County (Ga.) (1-0)

Time: 7:30 p.m., Friday

Radio: 103.5 FM ,1150 AM, (in Seneca) 90.9 FM (in Toccoa)

Last year: Stephens County 34, Seneca 20

Key players:

Stephens County – QB Dacen Cash. He was 7-16 for 178 yards and 1 touchdown last week, but threw 2 interceptions. Last year against the Bobcats, the junior was 7-12 for 83 yards and a touchdown. Cash has the big-play capability so the Bobcats’ defense will be called on yet again to rise to the occasion. LB/FB Dustin Royston. Last year, Royston had 75 tackles and 2 interceptions. RB Ren Tealsey. The transfer RB rushed for 1,681 yards as a sophomore. He is nursing an injured knee, but if gets cleared to play, the Seneca defense will have to be ready for him.

Seneca – QB Jordan McNeely. After playing backup to Joel Smith, the junior is now the Bobcats go to man. He performed well in week one against Pendleton going 15-29 for 150 yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 interception. RB Nick Sims. In Week 1, he rushed for 81 yards on 13 carries. DL Lucas White. The senior is one of only two returning starters. White had 7 tackles last week against Pendleton. LB Christopher Beitz. Beitz led the team with 13 tackles in week 1. Beitz will need another solid game to keep tabs on Stephens County’s offensive attack.

Our view:

Seneca fell just short of victory last week in Ron Duncan’s debut. The Bobcats rallied in the second half but couldn’t hold on, as Pendleton was able to escape Bobcat Stadium with a 16-14 victory via a game-winning Zack Sears field goal. Stephens County also had a wild first game as it won a 28-23 thriller over Flowery Branch. The key for Seneca will be to put last week’s heartbreaker behind them. The Bobcats will have to come out ready to play hard and smart for four quarters if they want to leave Stephens County with a victory. Last year, Stephens County rolled into Seneca and won 34-20. Seneca will need a lower scoring game than that for them to have a shot at pulling the upset. The last thing the Bobcats need is to get into a high scoring shootout with the Indians. The Seneca defense will be a very important factor in this game. If they can limit Stephens County’s offensive production and keep the pressure off the offense, then Coach Duncan and company might have what it takes to upset the Indians. However, if Seneca comes out sluggish and not focused on the task at hand, it could be a long night.