Posted: Sep 23, 2016

Week 4 Football Preview: Antelope Valley at Desert

Palm Desert - Antelope Valley will bring their 2-1 record to Boone Stadium for a contest with College of the Desert. Desert recorded their first win of the season last week with a convincing 61-35 win over West LA. Antelope is riding a two game win streak after just getting by East LA last week 29-25. De'Abrie Smith had a stellar game for the Roadrunners last week throwing for 245 yards and 2 touchdowns while completing 21 of his 25 passes attempted. He spread the ball around the field finding 8 different receivers on the night. Anthony Ellison led the way on the ground pounding out 118 yards on only 13 carries and he found the end zone once.

For Antelope, their running game proved to be the difference in their win against East LA last week. Dual threat quarterback Blake Shepherd carried the ball 9 times for 134 yards while running back Tre Coleman had 110 yards on 28 carries. Each guy found the end zone once in the win. Shepherd also contributed 117 yards through the air and found Cahil Canada once in the end zone.

Antelope Valley is allowing 354.7 yards per game with 237.7 yards allowed through the air. Look for Smith and his talented receiving corp to take advantage of that this week. Ellison commands a lot of attention up front which should allow receivers to find the mismatches in the secondary. The hard hitting Roadrunner defense will need to keep an eye on Shephard and not let him make big plays with his legs. If they turn him into a pocket passer that is advantage Desert. If he gets loose it is advantage Antelope.

Make sure to get to Boone Stadium for the 6:00 PM kickoff. It is an important game for the Roadrunners as they look to even their record at 2-2.

Records

AVC 2-1 Wins vs East LA (1-2) SD Mesa (1-2) Loss vs #15 Canyons (2-1)

Desert 1-2 Wins vs West LA (1-2) Losses vs #2 Saddleback (3-0) #17 LA Valley (2-0)

Top Performers

Passing

COD

De'Abrie Smith 62.8% Completions 473 Yards 3 TD 157.7 YDS/G

AVC

Blake Shepherd 43% Completions 527 Yards 3 TD 175.7 YDS/G

Rushing

COD