The Pepperell versus Coosa series in Region 7-AA has been controlled by Pepperell as of late, as the Dragons have won the last two matchups and 17 of the last 20. Still, Pepperell only leads the overall series by one game, 23-22-1.
The No. 3-ranked Dragons are undefeated at 7-0 this season and it will be a tough task for the Eagles to deal them their first loss. Last week, Coosa edged Armuchee 7-6 to improve its record to 4-3 overall, but Pepperell defeated the same Armuchee team 42-15 on Oct. 3.
The Pepperell offense is led by running back Brandon Whitaker, who rushed for 1,576 yards and 21 touchdowns last season. Whitaker had four total touchdowns in the win over Rockmart. The defense is a 4-4 scheme, led by lineman Matthew Kelley and defensive back Kendric Cheeks, that only allowed 17 yards against Temple on Oct. 10.
The Eagles’ Wing T offense depends on two talented running backs: tailback Quentin High and fullback Lebron Neal. Neal had 1,015 yards last season and Hight rushed for 90 yards and two touchdowns against Model on Oct. 3. Coosa’s 3-3 defense is led by lineman Blake Lambert and linebackers Fatir Pillow and David Masters. The defense has allowed an average of 11 points per game in the four wins, but nearly 40 points in their three losses to Rockmart, Central-Carroll and Calhoun. The Eagles will have to slow down Whitaker and most importantly keep him out of the end zone to have a chance at the upset.
Wiley can be reached at dwiley@scoreatl.com.
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