Ripley week 1 preview: defending champ Water Valley comes to town
When: Friday, August 23rd
Where: Ripley, MS
Who: Water Valley
The Tigers open up the 2019 season by hosting the defending class 3A state champion Water Valley. Be sure to check out the Ripley season preivew by clicking here.
Offense
The Tigers will look to establish the run game against Water Valley who will sport a large, athletic front line with multiple players approaching 300 pounds. Ripley’s Jamal Brooks will have to earn his yards on Friday night, but if he can gain some traction the vertical passing game could open up for quarterback Tristan Vandiver, who hit a long touchdown in the Tigers jamboree win last week.
Defense
The Tigers will have to focus heavily on stopping the Water Valley tandem of Jacob Truss, who threw 10 touchdowns and rushed for 1,071 yards with 15 touchdowns last season, and speedster Martavius Rockett. Look for Dy’Quez Edgeston and Shaundell Carter to make key plays if the Tigers are to stop the Blue Devils balanced attack.
Final Thoughts
The Tigers have played a tough out of conference schedule and the opening game of 2019 is no easier. Water Valley is talented but Ripley having the home field advantage should help. Friday is calling for scattered thunderstorms as well, so a wet field should slow down the Water Valley attack. The Tiger defense can hang tough and if they can capitalize on the Water Valley propensity to throw interceptions (11 last season) they can come out on top against a quality week 1 opponent.
