Cyclones look for a win on the road

By Shane Mettlen

Published: September 18, 2008

Eastern View left Louisa with a disappointing loss in its season opener. Now, after a home win against William Monroe, the Cyclones are going on the road again and hoping to have a more enjoyable bus trip back to Culpeper when they leave Bull Rin District powerhouse Clarke County tonight.

“I think that we got more confident and we had more fun after winning,” Eastern View offensive lineman Patrick Wilson said. “We feel pretty good going into this game.”

Through two games the EVHS offense has managed to move the ball, but the Cyclones haven’t utilized both the running and passing attacks in the same game.

Against Louisa, quarterback Cody Whitlock threw for nearly 200 yards, but the Lions were able to shut down running back Stevie Strother for most of the game.

Last week against William Monroe, the passing game struggled, but Strother broke loose for 233 yards rushing and four touchdowns. Hatfield said the Cyclones would like to find more of a balance against Clarke County, which is 2-1 with the loss coming in overtime to James Wood.

“We definitely want to be balanced,” Hatfield said. “When we couldn’t run the ball against Louisa we had to pass it every play and we’re not afraid to run it every play if that is what’s working. But I think we need to find that balance. If we find that balance we’ll be better offensively.”

For all the balance Eastern View has been lacking, the Eagles have gotten it from their stars Zach and Sam Shiley, twin brothers who start at quarterback and running back, respectively. Zach Shiley left last week’s game against Luray with a leg injury, but if he’s healthy he could test the Cyclones’ defense.

The Clarke County quarterback completed 16 of 31 passes for 138 yards in the Eagles opener then rushed for 66 yards and threw for 36 more in a win over Stonewall Jackson-Quicksburg before getting hurt early in the win over Luray.

Sam Shiley has also proved to be an all-around threat for the Eagles. He rushed for 163 yards and two touchdowns against SJ-Quicksburg and also intercepted two passes in that game. He followed that up with 108 yards rushing against Luray and recorded 83 yards receiving against James Wood.

“They run the ball really well,” Hatfield said. “They had over 300 yards rushing versus Luray and they are really big up front. They were a really good team last year that I think is playing well and has a lot of confidence in themselves.”

Shane Mettlen can be reached at 825-0771, ext. 127 or