Old rivals battle for new Axe

Friday night's football free-for-all in Orland, also known as the Battle for the Axe, will be a contrast between the old and the new.

With its inception in 1922, the annual gridiron clash is the "granddaddy" of the trophy games played in the Northern Section.

That's the old.

What's new for this year's contest is the trophy itself, a brand new battle axe crafted by Orland High graduate Scott Layne.

That's the new.

What is also new and lends itself well to the storied matchup, is that both teams enter play Friday with identical 3-0 records. One team's going to win and one's going to lose, and if the rivalry needed any additional spark, you can bet hanging the other with its first loss of the season is added incentive.

Not only will Friday night's grid war determine who has bragging rights for the next year, but also who can lay claim as the leader in the all-time standings. That's right, this baby is tied up at 43-43-1.

The Axe currently resides with the Trojans, by ways of wins in the last two meetings.

The Trojans have outscored their three opponents 105-20, including last week's 30-6 dismantling of Division I Corning. Their offense features the double-threat of Austin Schmeltzer under center. The senior QB has completed 15-of-34 passes for 205 yards and a pair of scores, while his mobility has also led him to the top of the team's rushing board, with 285 yards.

Andrew Hutchens has carried 28 times for 201 yards, and has excellent breakaway speed, and Javone Bradford has been Schmeltzer's favorite target through the air, hauling in seven balls for 95 yards. Jesus Llamas has five catches, but two of those have led to six points.

Defensively, solid line play has held the opposition to 348 yards on the ground.

That 348 is 104 less than Willows' Drake Matteson has chewed up in the Honkers' first three contests, where he has averaged 150 per game. It will be no surprise if Willows relies on him heavily for shouldering the rock, because his 53 carries are followed next by Steven Johnson's 16, for 80. Ryan Welsh has also proved to be an efficient go-to guy, needing just eight carries to total 149 yards.

Justin Fortunato has taken the majority of Willows' snaps, and does so especially when it's time to put some air under the ball. He has completed 12-of-26 pass attempts for 160 yards.

Both teams are thick with defensive studs.

Conner Smith leads the Honkers with 21 tackles from his linebacker spot, with brothers Candelaria - Trevor and Jacob - both making 18 takedowns on the defensive line.

Ben Howard has wrapped up 26 for the Trojans, followed by Llamas and Ray Hecox, both with 19.

Something definitely has to give when these two unbeatens lock horns, and this year's installment in the historical series is bound to be a great one.

CONTACT Craig Purcell at 824-1036 or cpurcell@tcnpress.com.