Game of the Week: Undefeated Warriors, 'Canes Ready to Go

DALTON, Mass. — The words of Warriors coach Gary Campbell Jr. sum up Saturday night's game of the week between Hoosac Valley and Wahconah to a tee. 

 

"We do not like them. They do not like us," said Campbell. "But, you also respect the heck out of each other because we beat each other on and off every year, here and there. So because of that, it has become such a rivalry."

 

Both schools have a long tradition of competitive football teams and the tradition continues as both teams enter the game at 4-0.

 

The Hurricanes of Hoosac Valley come into Saturday's tilt off of a 36-6 home victory over Monument Mountain. But their most impressive win of the season came in their previous game against North County rival Mount Greylock. The Hurricanes went into Williamstown and used stellar defense that included three interceptions and one fumble recovery to defeat the Mounties, 20-12. This was their first victory over Mount Greylock after losing to them in the regular season three years in a row and a fourth time in the 2011 Berkshire County Championship. 

 

Hurricanes coach Dayne Poirot focused on preparing his players for good game in all aspects of the game during practice by "getting focused and improving ourselves."

 

"You know, Wahconah balances their offense really well," Poirot. "I think they run the ball just as well as they throw it. All across the board, they are good on special teams, they're good on defense and offense. So we know we need to play a good complete game."

 

Wahconah are coming off a 24-0 home win over Lee and are excited to have their starting quarterback and senior captain Ethan Wells back from an injury that put him on the sideline for the past two and half games. 

 

"Ethan is back this week. Which is great," said Campbell. "Junior Nick Clayton filled in for him and it's tough taking him out. In two and a half games, Nick threw for 350-plus yards and six touchdowns. But Ethan is better now. He could have played last week, but this is Hoosac and we wanted him for this game. So he's a captain and a senior and he's excited about the game."

 

The Warriors were also without their top reciever Darrow Brown for the past two games and but didn't lose anything in his absence as sophomore tight end Cole Morrison stepped up in his place.

 

"Cole is leading our team right now in touchdown receptions so he really stepped up. Cole's a big boy, ya know six-foot three, 220 pounds," said Campbell. "So he is going to be tough. He's been a great tight end for us blocking and running."

 

Coach Poirot said his Hurricanes really need to step up at the line to limit the Warrior's offensive powerhouse.

 

"Their throwing success has come off of how well they run the ball," Poirot said. "We need to win the battle on the line. They have a good offensive line and our line needs to step up and prove themselves if we want to be successful.

 

"When we are playing Wahconah we know that it's gigantic. The seniors and I have had a few conversations this week about how important this game is and about being humble and being grounded. I think these guys know how big this game is."

 

Coach Campbell also spoke highly of Hoosac Valley and their weapons.

 

"We got to make sure of their backs. [Tyler] Mach can break it at anytime, he's a breakaway kid," Campbell said. "I think Braman is one of the best athletes in the county and Ian Hill is just tough. He's a big tough kid and he's always ready to go."

 

Saturday night's game is set to kick off at 7 p.m. in Dalton with ceremonies before the game.

 

"What we are doing on Saturday is inviting the four Super Bowl teams at Wahconah from 83, 98, 2003 and 2012 back," Campbell said. "Hoosac is a big reason for that because again that was their rival too. Great memories, maybe some bad ones for some of them. But the simple fact of it is, with Hoosac here it sparks a lot of interest. And then we put it on Saturday night. One, so those people can travel back and, two, so it's the only game in the county. You know this is the game. It's 4-0 and 4-0."