North Montgomery will end its 2022 regular season on Friday when they travel to take on Danville. After a 54-6 drubbing of Frankfort a week ago the Chargers stand at 4-4 (2-4 SAC) on the season. Danville on the other hand is in unfamiliar territory as they hold a record of 3-5 (3-3) on the year after falling last week to Western Boone 33-7. Charger coach Josh Thompson’s message has been simply improving each and every week and this is the time of the season where he wants his squad to be playing at the highest level.
“I’ve said it all year that if we show up and compete like we know how, I like our chances against anybody,” Thompson said. “A lot of it comes down to our own personal beliefs when we step on the field on Friday. There will likely be some adversity that we might have to overcome. Our kids have played physical all season long and I think that will once again be the case. We know that Danville is a good team, but if we play hard for a full four quarters we should find ourselves with a chance to win.”
After making a change at quarterback, Sophomore Connor Soper is the signal caller for the Warriors. In five total games, Soper has thrown for 573 yards with six touchdowns and three interceptions while completing 56% of his throws. Derrin Sharp remains the work horse for Danville on the ground as the senior running back as ran for 952 yards and seven touchdowns while averaging six and a half yards per carry. Thompson knows stopping the run game will be the key to success on Friday.
“The good news about them wanting to run the ball is that what has been our strength all season,” Thompson said of his run defense. “We also have to make sure our secondary is sured up so we don’t give up any big plays. Danville is going to be physical up front on both end but our o-line has really improved all season long and this is another chance for them to go out and showcase that improvement.”
After a dominating 54-6 win a week ago, the offensive side of the ball for North Montgomery is playing with confidence as well. A win would put the Chargers over the .500 mark and see their regular season end with a 5-4 record, something that Thompson and his team definitely wouldn’t take for granted.
“It’d be a great accomplishment for all the hard work and time they’ve put into this season,” he said. “The big thing is we have to focus on us and what we can control. If we do those things then it gives us the best chance for success.”
The Chargers and Warriors will kick it off at 7 pm on Friday at Danville. You can stay tuned to @JR_Sports on twitter for live scoring updates throughout the game.
