By: Rikki Pepino

The Thomas Edison Eagles have their work cut out for them as they face off against the #1 team in the Region 5A North Football Championships on Fortune Field in the first round of the playoffs this Friday, November 14. With Tuscarora’s undefeated record along with a couple of the top ranked players in the league, they pose a daunting threat to both Edison and the conference.

The Eagles have a lot of catching up to do after their regular season ended with a 10-28 loss against the Hayfield Hawks on Friday, November 7th. At the same time, the Huskies celebrated their 41-0 victory against long-time rival Briar Woods, adding another win to their already impressive record. The Eagles ended their regular season with 3 wins and 6 losses.

The Huskies are expected to be the frontrunners of the Friday night bout considering their #1 status and their 10-0 record. In addition to their streak, they also possess a formidable roster including senior running back Noah Reimers and junior quarterback Daniel Smith. Both players have made major contributions to the success of the team over the season, one of them during the September 19th match against homefield-undefeated Martinsburg High School. Smith made 3 passing TDs, all of them to Reimers, aiding the Huskies on their 40-21 win. Other notable contributions include the August 29th, September 5th and September 12th matchups against Kettle Run (Scrimm.), Woodgrove and Loudoun Valley respectively; Reimers made 4 TDs in each of the games, which started the momentum of Tuscarora’s successful season.

Reimers, who committed to play for Harvard on September 26th, earned his place in Husky history as he not only currently leads the conference in rushing yards (2033) but also in touchdowns (27). Both Reimers and Smith were also added to the QB Rating list in passing with Smith placing #15 (91.46), and Reimers placing just behind him as #26 (89.23). Reimers took up the helm of QB after Smith was put out of action in the middle of the season due to a slightly torn meniscus.

Edison, who seems to be the underdog of the upcoming match, have garnered only 3 wins throughout their regular season. Wins included the August 28th match against Mnt. Vernon High School (26-6), and the October 11th and October 31st matches against Herndon High (17-0) and Stuart High (28-0) respectively have earned the Eagles’ place as #16 in the conference. Players like junior running back Moses Kamara hope to beat the Huskies with 540 yards and 4 TDs under his belt.  

The 2014-2015 playoffs are sure to be an exhilarating time for both teams as an unstoppable force hopes to gain a championship by the end of their season. Can Edison overcome the odds against them?