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Kenny Fey

Walhalla High School's Nick Tubbs (3) looks for running room against Pickens earlier this season in Walhalla. Tubbs and the Razorbacks will host Saluda this Friday at 7:30 p.m.

Saluda (1-2) at Walhalla (1-2)

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Radio: None

Key players:

Saluda—QB Drey Mitchell, RB/WR Ke Ke Clark, WR Kyle Sanford, RB Tiangelo Hill.

Walhalla—QB Rob Middleton, WR Nick Tubbs, RB/WR John Sharpe.

Our view: After last week’s lost to rival West-Oak, Walhalla will be looking to get back in the win column. Region games are just around the corner, and if the Razorbacks hope to make their first appearance in the playoffs since 2003, they will need to take care of business Friday night against a less-talented opponent in Saluda. The Tigers fell just short of victory last week as kicker Brian Bushey’s potential game-winning kick sailed wide-right with under two minutes left in the game, allowing Ninety Six to hold on for the victory. Both Walhalla and Saluda will look to put last week behind them and to show improvement in week 4.

Quarterbacks

Walhalla’s Rob Middleton was 8-for-19 for 116 yards, one touchdown and one interception last week. Other than a 57-yard touchdown from Middleton to Meeshon Thompson, the senior was kept in check for the majority of the game. Drey Mitchell had a tough game that was highlighted by a 7-yard touchdown pass to Carl Schumpert.

Advantage: Walhalla

Running Backs:

Saluda’s Tiangelo Hill was unable to get anything going last week on the ground for the Tigers. Walhalla’s Meeshon Thompson picked up only seven yards on five carries before getting hurt last week at West-Oak, as he finished second in total rushing yards to Middleton, who had 28 yards.

Advantage: Walhalla

Wide Receivers:

Walhalla’s Nick Tubbs poses a threat to any defensive secondary every time he steps on the field. John Sharpe is also a reliable target for Middleton. Saluda’s top receivers are Kyle Stanford and Carl Schumpert.

Advantage: Walhalla

Offensive Line:

Walhalla has an experienced group up front led by three-year starter Easton Smith. Also manning the line are Nathan Jackson, Austin Crook, Chris Glenn and Garrett Kelly to form a physical and reliable offensive front. If they are able to protect Middleton, the Razorbacks should be in good shape. Saluda’s offensive line struggled last week giving up three sacks.

Advantage: Walhalla

Run Defense:

Walhalla has been known to give up some yards on the ground at times as it gave up 306 rushing yards to Pickens in Week 1 and gave up 284 last week to West-Oak. Saluda gave up over 100 yards last week to Ninety Six including 127 just in the first half.

Advantage: Saluda

Pass Defense:

Walhalla has given up 249 yards in the passing game in their past two games. Saluda has also played tight in the secondary and gave up 74 yards through the first half of play last week.

Advantage: Walhalla

Special Teams:

Walhalla’s Ryan Metz, as well as occasionally Middleton can be seen taking care of the placekicking duties. Saluda also has a threat in the return game in Ke Ke Clark. Clark returned a kickoff 97 yards for the touchdown last week. Clark also blocked a field goal. Brian Bushey missed two field goals including a PAT and a 37-yard potentially game-winning kick.

Advantage: Walhalla