By Perry Swack
Spartan Stadium – September 25, 2020 – 7:00pm
Last Week
Glasgow defeated Hart County 39-21
South Warren’s game with Louisville Central was canceled due to COVID-19
2019 Meeting
The first meeting in the series between Glasgow and South Warren was something of an instant classic. The late September matchup last season saw the Spartans put their then 20-game winning streak on the line without starting quarterback Caden Veltkamp. Backup signal caller Mason Willingham stepped in and led the team to victory behind 180 yards passing and two touchdowns. With 14 seconds left, Willingham connected with Tomi Mustapha in the corner of the end zone to tie the game. The ensuing extra point clinched the win.
The Scotties (then-ranked second in Class 3A) led 14-0 at intermission behind two Tanner Abernathy touchdowns. The senior quarterback finished with three scores on the night (two passing, one rushing). His 49-yard TD pass to Hunter Scott with four minutes remaining broke up a 14-14 tie after South had tied the game. It was thought to be the game-winner before Mustapha snagged the Willingham pass in the waning moments of the contest.
Only Matchup in this Series
2019 – South Warren 21 @ Glasgow 20
Preview
If the 2020 meeting between the Spartans and Scotties is anything like the 2019 meeting, then we are in for a treat. Neither quarterback from the 2019 game will play Friday though. Veltkamp is expected to start for the Spartans after lighting up Warren East in Week 1, throwing for 293 yards for five touchdowns on 15-of-24 passing. John Myers has taken over the starting QB job after the graduation of Abernathy. He has thrown for 338 yards through the first two games, with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Hunter Scott (four catches for 129 yards and two TDs in 2019 meeting) has been deployed as more of a runner in 2020, carrying the ball 40 times for 361 yards and six scores so far. Andrew Phillips has been the team’s leading receiver, catching 12 balls for 238 yards through two games.
South has only played one game in 2020 after its game with Louisville Central was canceled due to concerns involving COVID-19. Will the extra week of practice help the Spartans any? Junior running back Kobe Martin rushed ten times for 67 yards in Week 1. Jason Putnam caught three passes for two touchdowns against Warren East. Junior kicker Eldar Dervisevic returns after hitting 37-of-41 field goals in 2019. He has begun 2020 hitting only 2-of-5. Expect a bounce back week against Glasgow. Senior standout Jantzen Dunn missed South’s opening week game and will presumably make his season debut this Friday.
Prediction
South Warren 38, Glasgow 21
I think South Warren is too good in this one. Of course, it has not been tested at the level that Glasgow is at. However, I think the offensive and defensive firepower will propel the Spartans to a rather comfortable victory at home. Veltkamp missed the 2019 game. With the star junior in tow, I expect him to find the gaps in the Scottie defense and throw three touchdowns. Last season, Glasgow was held to -12 yards on the ground against South. The 2020 team will rush for over 100 yards, led by Hunter Scott.
The deciding factor? Turnovers. If Glasgow can limit its own turnovers and turn the Spartans over on key drives, we may have ourselves a tight game like we did in 2019.
Next Week
Glasgow hosts Adair County on October 2 in its second district game of the season.
South Warren will travel to district rival Bowling Green on October 2.
