Game Preview: Blue Ridge v. Moapa Valley

2012 kicks off at the University of Phoenix Stadium tomorrow at 3

Preview: Lakeside (Az.) Blue Ridge vs. Overton (Nv.) Moapa Valley

Notes: Kickoff is at 3 PM at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Az.

Last week: Opening game for both teams in the Barry Sollenberger Kickoff Classic.

Players to Watch: Blue Ridge- senior LB/RB Chans Cox (Arizona State commit), junior DL Walker Lee (65 215), senior OL/DL Jocob Badger (6-4 225), senior QB Skyler Hill

Moapa Valley- senior RB Connor Mortensen, senior RB Sean McConnell, senior DE Cody Tolbert, junior OL/DL Mathew McDermond (6-6 240)

Keys to a Blue Ridge victory: There is plenty of talent left from last year's state championship team (perfect 14-0 record) but finding a replacement do-it-all RB Danny Gruebner is crucial. QB Skyler Hill returns after passing for 2,000 yards and 20 TDs but he has to break in a young group of receivers. Getting the ball in the hands early will help get them acclimated. Coach Moro loves to run the ball (almost 4,000 yards rushing last year), give the ball to Chans Cox!

Keys to a Moapa Valley victory: As I mentioned above, Blue Ridge runs the ball but so does Moapa Valley. Mortensen and McConnell rushed for over 2,000 yards and 34 TDs last year. Playing ball control and not turning the ball over is key. MV will have some confidence headed into this game as the beat a very good Show Low team last year, they must play with swagger.