When Jack Baker and members of his James River football coaching staff scouted Floyd County’s home game with Carroll County last Friday, they didn’t expect to make a night of it. However, the game went a little longer than expected and Jack stayed until the end as Carroll won a 52-49 shootout.
“I thought a couple times Carroll was going to put them away, but every time Floyd found a way to answer,” said Baker. “That quarterback for Floyd (Sam Phillips) is pretty good. He can run and he can throw.”
Jack was at the game because his Knights had their bye last week. It was a great opportunity to see two teams that River still has to play. They’re home against Floyd this Friday and finish the regular season at Carroll County on Nov. 7. Baker used the free night to get a look at both teams in person.
“As good as the film has gotten, when you see a team in person you can gather some things you don’t see on film,” he said. “You get a real feel for the physicality.”
The loss was the first of the season for Floyd as the Buffaloes drop to 6-1. They’re currently third in the Region 2C rankings behind Glenvar (8-0) and Gretna (6-1). Radford and Appomattox are next and River is sixth at 4-3. A win over Floyd this week would be huge for the Knights.
“It would be a great win for us as far as points and a great win as far as confidence,” said Baker. “It’s also Senior Night and you like to win that one. There are a lot of positives to winning this week.”
