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Appalachian jug incites historic rivalry |
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Thursday, 08 November 2007 |
by RYAN WIXTED
Sports Editor
Western Carolina University enters Saturday’s game looking to play the role of the spoiler.
The Catamounts are 1-8 overall and 0-5 in the Southern Conference this season.
Appalachian State University enters Saturday’s game on a two-game winning streak and in contention for its third straight SoCon title.
However, ASU Head Coach Jerry Moore said his squad is not looking past Western Carolina.
“I will always remember [Virginia Military Institute],” Moore said. “We were 10-0 in 1994-95 and they had
not won a ball game. We were still in the playoffs [that year], but we lost the last game of the season
to them.”
 Appalachian sophomore quarterback Armanti Edwards rushes past defenders and into the endzone last season against Western Carolina University. File Photo
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Western will attempt to do the same thing, as both teams meet for the 72nd time in the Battle of the
Old Mountain Jug. Appalachian leads the series with a 52-18-1 record.
In order for the Catamounts to earn their first SoCon win of the season, they will have to attempt to
slow down the Mountaineer rushing attack.
Western Carolina Head Coach Kent Briggs understands his defensive squad faces a daunting task.
“They have been playing well right now,” Briggs said of ASU. “[Armanti] Edwards is a big time player,
but what amazes me the most is how tough he is. He may be the toughest player I’ve seen for his size
and his position and he can take some hits.”
Last weekend against The Citadel, Edwards rushed for a Mountaineer single game rushing record of
291 yards.
Western Carolina’s defense ranks 98th overall in the Football Championship Subdivision and 107th in
rush defense.
The Mountaineers rushing attack has gotten a boost since Edwards returned under center, midway
through the season.
ASU’s offense ranks fifth overall in the FCS and ninth in rushing offense.
“They have played a lot of football games,” Briggs said. “Their offense line is very tough, mean and
experienced. They have experience at wide receiver, a strongman [Dexter] Jackson being a big
playmaker, but they have two other receivers that can do the job.”
On the defensive side of the ball, the Mountaineers have improved as the season has progressed.
Last weekend’s playmaker against The Citadel was freshman linebacker D.J. Smith, who had 16
tackles and one interception returned for a touchdown.
“He’s a terrific athlete,” Moore said. “Since the first day of practice, he has never ever let up - he’s
been relentless and gives great effort everyday.”
The Mountaineer defense currently ranks 51st in overall defense in the FCS and 81st in rush defense.
The Catamounts have struggled on offense this season; their rushing attack ranks 106th in the FCS
and they rank 73rd in overall offense.
Kick off is set for 3:30 p.m. Saturday at Kidd Brewer Stadium.
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