PREVIEW: Apalachee at Lanier

Staff Report (8763)

As of Thursday, August 30, 2012
© Copyright 2013 Gwinnett Daily Post

Lanier's Onyx Berrios

Apalachee Wildcats (8-AAAAA)

-- Coach: Shane Davis

-- 2011Record: 4-6

-- TEAM PAGE

Lanier Longhorns (8-AAAA)

-- Coach: Billy Wells

-- 2011 Record: 3-1 in varsity games

-- TEAM PAGE

With the Longhorns kicking off their first full varsity season and the Wildcats playing a regular-season, non-region game for the first time since 2007, there will be a lot of unknowns Friday.

"It's not one of those deals where we follow them a lot, and they probably didn't follow us much," Apalachee coach Shane Davis said. "So, we really don't know (what to expect)."

Actually, a look at Apalachee's game film from any year during Davis' tenure should give Lanier coach Billy Wells and his staff a pretty idea of what to expect from the Wildcats -- a hard-nosed running attack, paced by running backs Zay Henry and Eric Tanner, who combined for over 1,400 yards and 13 TDs last season.

Wells is also wary of the potential of QB Clint Ashe and WR Jermaine Smith.

"They will definitely run the football," Wells said. "But their quarterback has a big-time arm, too."

For the Longhorns, the goal after two years of playing mainly JV teams is to demonstrate they are ready to play under Friday night lights every week. For that, they will rely on experienced players like seniors Onyx Berrios, Taylor Grant, Chauncey West and Isidore Sam.

-- Last meeting: First meeting

-- Directions to Lanier High School: From I-85, go west on Lawrenceville-Suwanee Road and turn right onto Buford Highway. School is on the left. (Stadium info)

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