Problems behind, Eagles look ahead
George Washington hopes to eliminate mistakes against Northeast in the final.
As was the case last year, George Washington coach Ron Cohen thinks Northeast has an unfair advantage with the Public League Class AAAA championship game being played at Charlie Martin Memorial Stadium.
However, Cohen's bigger concern is correcting the mistakes that resulted in the Eagles' 14-12 home loss to the Vikings on Oct. 2.
If Washington (7-2) does rectify those problems when it travels to Northeast (6-3), 3:30 p.m., tomorrow, the Eagles can secure their third straight league title and 11th overall.
Meanwhile, Northeast, under first-year coach Chris Riley, is trying for the team's first Public League crown since 1983. Riley, then a junior, was part of that squad.
Here is a look at the final:
Coaches. Before taking over at Northeast, Riley guided Cardinal Dougherty for two seasons (2006, 2007). Cohen is 224-61-2 in 25 seasons at Washington.
Rematch. In last year's final, the Eagles outlasted the Vikings, 41-34, in triple OT.
Rushing threats. Northeast's leading ballcarriers are halfbacks Tyleel Taylor and Eric Hines. For Washington, English Peay has emerged as to the go-to guy, with support from QB Aaron Wilmer and RBs Chea Sloh and Vernon Dupree.
Seeking redemption. Northeast QB Malik Stokes, who has scholarship offers from Central Michigan and Towson, completed 22 of 42 passes for a career-high 256 yards in last year's championship-game loss. But he was also intercepted three times.
Mammoth lineman. Washington's Sharrif Floyd, a 6-foot-3, 305-pound senior, is a force as a two-way tackle. He has scholarship offers from nearly 40 Division I-A schools, including USC, Florida and Ohio State.
Stalwart. Northeast's defensive leader is 6-1, 265-pound senior tackle Jerome Brown, also an offensive lineman.
Analysis. In their spread offense, the Vikings need Stokes to have success throwing to Eric Brundidge, Rashaun Sligh and Deion Barnes. That's because they'll find rushing yardage hard to come by. We expect a big game from Wilmer - and a Washington victory.
Pick: Washington, 28-13.