Lancers open playoffs Friday

After two weeks of practice, the Amherst Lancers will return to football action Friday when the team hosts Spotswood in the Region III Division 4 semifinals.

The Trailblazers (9-2 and 1-2 in the Massanutten District) defeated Staunton River 36-18 in Moneta in the Region III quarterfinals last Friday. Spotswood’s fullback, Nick Wimer, rushed for 138 yards and three touchdowns in 33 rushing attempts. He also caught a 22-yard touchdown pass Chad Williams. The Trailblazers got off to a quick start, leading 16-0 at the end of the first and 24-6 at halftime. Spotswood held Staunton River’s 1,400-rusher, Mech Coles, to negative eight yards on 10 carries. Quarterback Cody Jones had 110 yards and three scores on the ground.

Spotswood’s two losses this season came on the road, to Harrisonburg, 20-0, and Turner Ashby, 39-12.

Amherst (10-0 and 6-0 in the Seminole District) still managed to pick up an honor while on a bye. Head coach Cecil Phillips was named the Redskins High School Coach of the Week for the week of Nov. 2.

The Redskins are selecting an area coach of the week for each week of the high school football season for “the coach’s continuing commitment toward promoting youth football, developing motivated student-athletes, his overall community involvement and overall team performance and record.”

The high school will receive a $1,000 donation from the NFL Youth Football Fund and a framed certificate, signed by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Redskins head coach Jim Zorn.