Jo Byrns game will measure Vikings' ability

Third-year coach Johnnie Frost looks to lead the Community Vikings to an unprecedented second straight region win tonight. (T-G Photo by Jimmy Jones) [Click to enlarge] [Order this photo]

There is no question that the Community Vikings football program has taken great strides so far this season as they enter tonight's game with Jo Byrns.

The third-year varsity team will get a very quick barometer reading on just how far they have come against the perennial powerhouse Red Devils (2-0, 1-0 Region 5).

The three-time defending Region 5-1A champion has now won 23 of their past 24 region games and was ranked second in the state in the Rivals.com 1A preseason poll.

The Associated Press has the Devils ranked third entering this contest as they come off a 28-0 spanking of Clarksville Academy last week.

"I asked the kids today after practice if they understood the ramifications of this game," Viking coach Johnnie Frost said. "We have more seniors than ever before, but we are still football-young so we may not be aware of what a win against this team could mean for our program."

Community (1-1, 1-0) has played two one-point games to open their season and are fresh off of a 27-26 road win preserved by a heroic defensive stand in the closing seconds against Nashville Christian.

"We've prepared this week like we would for any other team," Frost said. "We just tried to get better at the things that we do well and worked even harder on the phases of the game where we have weaknesses.

"There is no doubt that we are facing a very potent offense but we feel that we have some playmakers as well. It should be a very interesting game."

The Red Devils rely heavily on tailback Kevin Ashabraner when running the ball and will count on the strong right arm of quarterback Scott Adkins to move the chains through the air.

The Vikings counter with a trio of running backs in Jacob Cowell, Sean Grigoruk, and Tavarice Moore.

Community has not had to rely much on its aerial attack in the first two games due to weather conditions and success in their rushing attack.

This just may be the time that the Vikings unleash senior quarterback Justin Stallings, one of the best passers in the midstate.

Stallings has a stable of quality receivers beginning with his favorite target Zach Haynes.

Cody Pierce and Corey Coppes will also be counted on to attack the Red Devil secondary.

"We have not really opened up our offense yet," Frost said. "We know that Jo Byrns is going to get their points and that we are going to have to be prepared to move the ball if we want to compete.

"We feel that we have had a good week of practice and that we are ready to play."