Photo by: Post and Courier

Ashley Ridge defensive back Antonio McCall tackles Stratford running back Noah Shuler during the team’s first meeting this season.

Ashley Ridge gets a rematch this week with the team that defeated it in week three of the season.

The Swamp Foxes (9-3) host Stratford (9-3) Friday at 7:30 p.m. for the second round of the Division II-AAAA state playoffs. The first time the teams met, Stratford moved the ball well and capitalized on Ashley Ridge mistakes to earn a 31-24 victory. Swamp Fox coach Kenny Walker is hoping this time his team will do a better job protecting the ball and get different results.

“We definitely do not need to turn the ball over,” Walker said. “Last time, Stratford converted two turnovers on our first two possessions into 14 points. But our team has improved since then in our special teams and in how we prepare for games. We are more focused at practice and we are more confident. We have also improved our play up front on both sides of the ball.”

The teams both have losses to Wando and Goose Creek and wins over Fort Dorchester, West Ashley, Colleton County, James Island and Beaufort. Stratford’s third loss was to Summerville.

Stratford has outscored its opponents 290-188 this season. The Knights’ defense has three shutouts on the year.

Ashley Ridge has outscored its opponents 368-281. The Swamp Fox offense has put more than 40 points on the scoreboard four times this year.

Both teams have a balanced offense featuring multiple weapons and a quarterback who has thrown for more than 1,000 yards this season.

Ashley Ridge will have to stop running back Devin Washington, who is on track to finish the season with more than 1,000 rushing yards. But even if it can, Jamar Stevens and Noah Shuler are also strong runners. Plus sophomore QB Jacob Park can hurt an opponent with his arm or his legs.

Stratford will have to contain Ashley Ridge’s leading rusher, Romelo Doctor. He is on track to surpass the 1,400-yard rushing mark this season.

Even if the Knights shutdown Doctor, running back Vernon Moree and wide receiver Seamus McKinney must also be accounted for at all times. Swamp Fox QB Jacob Thompson also presents a dual threat.

Led by its linebackers, the Stratford defense has been the more impressive between the two teams this season. However, the Swamp Fox D has improved as the season progressed and was impressive recently in wins over Summerville, Fort Dorchester and Laurens.

In the 48-7 win over Laurens in the first round last week, Ashley Ridge linebacker Brandon Hughes made 22 tackles including 10 unassisted. He forced a fumble and had four QB hurries.

Stratford is coming off a 43-25 first-round victory over Conway. During that contest, the Knights’ sacked the Conway QB three times while holding the team to only 44 yards of offense in the first half.

Walker says the keys for his team in the second round are eliminating turnovers, winning the special teams’ downs and not allowing the Knights to break big plays.

Contact Roger Lee @ 873-9424 ext. 213 or rlee@journalscene.com

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