Football

New Albany at Watkins Memorial

At a glance

NEW ALBANY at WATKINS MEMORIAL

*When: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 19

*Last meeting: 2011, New Albany 45-22

*Top Eagles: Leslie Anokye (WR/DB), Darron Lee (QB/DB), Matt Smith (TE/DE), David Stambaugh (OL/DL) and Alan Watson (RB)

*Top Warriors: Billy Duvall (RB/DB), Hunter Holton (WR/DB), Brenden Kemp (RB), Jake Sanders (LB), Ben Shroyer (QB) and Boban Stepanovich (OL)

*New Albany (6-2 overall, 5-0 OCC-Capital) to date: Lost to Reynoldsburg 10-9; lost to Westerville Central 23-20 (OT); defeated DeSales 56-22; def. Olentangy Orange 53-33; def. Franklin Heights 66-14; def. Delaware 26-13; def. Olentangy 33-14; def. Big Walnut 17-6

*Watkins Memorial (2-6 overall, 2-3 OCC-Capital) to date: Lost to Licking Heights 13-12; lost to Athens 62-54; lost to Mifflin 25-20; def. Delaware 56-28; lost to Mount Vernon 34-21; lost to Big Walnut 27-14; def. Franklin Heights 51-12; lost to Olentangy 42-0

Wednesday October 17, 2012 3:07 PM

Winners of six consecutive games, including the past two over playoff hopeful Olentangy and Big Walnut, the Eagles would clinch at least a share of the OCC-Capital title with a win this week. Darron Lee, an Ohio State recruit, is as much a threat at defensive back as under center; his interception in the final minutes last week ended Big Walnut's last-ditch comeback hopes. Alan Watson is the finesse runner; Leslie Anokye is adept at gaining tough yards.

Ben Shroyer, a junior, has thrown for 835 yards with seven touchdowns and six interceptions to guide a Warriors' offense built around Brenden Kemp, a third-year starter who has rushed for more than 1,200 yards. Despite returning nine starters on defense, the Warriors' only wins have come against teams with a combined 4-12 record.

*LAST WEEK -- Watson rushed for 158 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries. The Eagles amassed 346 yards rushing but needed Watson's 75-yard touchdown run with five minutes remaining to clinch the win, New Albany's fifth consecutive over Big Walnut.

Watkins Memorial managed just 112 total yards against Olentangy. Kemp rushed for 54 yards on 15 carries, and Shroyer was 6-for-17 passing for 48 yards.