HHS Homecoming Game Preview: Herndon vs. Robinson

Herndon High School’s Homecoming is Saturday, Oct. 22 and that means celebration throughout the town including parties and parades. But for many locals, alumni and current Hornets it means one thing: football. The Herndon varsity football team (2-5) will host the Robinson Rams (2-5) in hopes of revenge from last year’s lopsided loss, 47-0.

This match up caters to the old school football fan as both teams command a “ground and pound” rushing attack, with little action through the air. The Hornets and Rams mirror each other both in numbers and offensive strategy. Herndon running back Josh Schow leads the Hornets with 8 TDs and 800 of the team’s 1300-plus yards rushing. Tyrek Worrell leads Robinson’s running-back-by-committee style offense with more than 500 of his squad’s 1400 yards on the ground.

Although the Hornets rarely throw, Ky Parrott has triple the passing yardage of the Rams’ leading passer in 2011. The Rams are susceptible to throwing interceptions so Herndon cornerback Thomas Haskell should keep his eyes peeled for possible picks. Head Coach Joe Sheaffer says his biggest goal on offense is to keep the eighth defender out of the box. If Herndon can accomplish this task, Parrott could have a career-day dumping the ball off short to Darrius Hicks, Denzel Weaver and Ryan Griffin since Robinson’s defensive front has stopped the run very well as of late, holding Lake Braddock last week to -19 yards rushing.

In the last seven meetings since 2004, the Hornets have defeated Robinson just once, 7-0 in October of 2007. The Rams have also outscored the Hornets 202-82 in those seven games. But when the players step out on the turf tomorrow, these statistics mean nothing and instead pride means everything.

Herndon has a lot to gain with a victory over Robinson. This would be the team’s third victory of the season—tripling last year’s total wins and it would make for the Hornets’ first win-streak of the season. Perhaps just as important if not more, a Homecoming-win would bring intangibles such as confidence, chemistry, pride, growth and happiness to the players. And all of those immeasurables can prove priceless to a young team in transition, looking for an identity.

Before the big game, the coaches and players will gather for the traditional Homecoming breakfast at Herndon United Methodist Church across the street from the high school. Sheaffer said his hungry teenagers will fill up on some great food and he will then give the players a couple hours to rest and digest. Warm-ups will convene around noon and then kick-off is at 1 p.m. sharp.

Both teams are coming off of their second win of the season and neither can afford to lose Saturday. But Herndon holds one huge advantage playing on its home field turf on Homecoming, with several hundred fans in the bleachers cheering for their beloved Hornets. Two games remain on the regular season schedule after this weekend and if Herndon can pull off a win tomorrow, the momentum could very well lead them on a roll to round out the season.

Note to fans: Show up to the game earlier than normal due to heavy traffic and limited parking at the school.