GoLocal Game of the Week Preview: Worcester Tech at South

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Thursday, September 06, 2012

Joe Parello, GoLocalWorcester Contributor

Everything is new for South this season, on both sides of the ball.

High school football season is finally here in Central Massachusetts, and GoLocalWorcester will be at Foley Stadium for the GoLocal Game of the Week tonight.

Worcester Tech vs South High at Foley Stadium. Kickoff at 7 pm.

Why is it a must-see game?

Uh, it's the first game of the year, you can't get much better than that. And, while the game does not feature a traditional power, it is certainly not short on intrigue.

South (1-10 last year) coach Jerry Snay returns to campus after a multi-year hiatus. Snay, who teaches and coaches track at Worcester Tech, won a Superbowl with the Colonels in 2006, and promises to have a few tricks up his sleeve when his team kicks off the year.

Worcester Tech (5-6 last year), meanwhile, is a team in transition for another reason. Instead of bringing in a new philosophy, coach Jeff Lane will begin his second season returning only five total starters.

South Offense vs Tech Defense

Mum has been the word about South's new offense, but we do know it will feature multiple formations, and the team will probably look to get the ball into the hands of playmaking running back Frank Ansah.

Tech will counter South's different looks with a physical 4-4 defense that looks to shut down the running game. South does have some speed on the outside, so it will be interesting to see if they can make plays against the three-man Eagle secondary.

Tech Offense vs South Defense

Worcester Tech isn't going to surprise anybody, they are going to run their triple-option offense and keep the ball on the ground. Brandon Hanlon moves to quarterback and will attempt to lead an offense that loses eight starters from a year ago.

Much like its offense, South's defense is a mystery at this point as well. The Colonels will use different alignments and promise to be aggressive. Speed in the secondary and at linebacker will make the defense difficult to out-flank, but its ability to stop the run between the tackles will be severely tested in this game.

Be sure to check back after the game for full highlights in the sports section.