Armwood (0-0) at Chamberlain (0-0), Friday, 7:30
Key players
Armwood: WR Malik Brown, Sr.; WR/CB Kai Ivey, Jr.; QB Murdolph Jones, Jr.; DT Jaron Powell, Jr.; OLB Cliff Spears, Jr., Sr.; WR/FS Kye Stokes, Sr.; OT Aidan Widerberg, Sr.
Chamberlain: LB Delio Figueredo, Sr.; WR/CB Desman Hearns, Sr.; WR/SS Mekai Patrick, Sr.; DE Jeremy Patterson, Jr.; DE Matthew Stahl, So.; OT/LS Christopher Wehnert, Sr.
Things to know
Armwood still ranks among the elite
The Hawks lost four games last season, the first time that has happened since 2012. But Armwood was within striking distance of winning each one. After all, three of those losses were by seven points or less, including two that were each decided by a point. While the Hawks have lost some major talent the past three years, there are plenty of prospects still on the roster. Kye Stokes, a receiver and defensive back, committed to Ohio State this offseason. Murdolph Jones, who is taking over at quarterback, already has an offer from USF. The retooled lineup showed what it can do last week, beating perennial powerhouse Miami Booker T. Washington 28-12 in the kickoff classic.
Chamberlain is tough in the trenches
The strength of this year’s team will be in the trenches on both sides of the ball. The offensive line returns four of five starters — Cedric Adams, Matthew Serrano, Jayjay Singleton and Christopher Wehnert. The most versatile one in that group is Wehnert, who can play all five positions on the line as well as handle long snapping duties. Their experience will be critical for an offense that will have plenty of new faces at the skill positions after losing its leading passer (Enzo Tedesco), rusher (Antony Guzman) and receiver (Antonio Jamison Jr.) to graduation. On defense, Chamberlain will rely on a pair of solid edge rushers — Jeremy Patterson and Matthew Stahl — to get after the quarterback.
Hawks superior in the series
This is the first time Armwood and Chamberlain have met since 2019. The Hawks have been dominant. Only one game has been decided by seven points or less in the past decade. And Armwood will certainly have the edge in this year’s season opener considering Chamberlain had to cancel last week’s preseason game because of so many players out due to contact tracing amid COVID protocols.
Check out the FNF Campus Tour
The Friday Night Football Campus Tour, presented by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is a free, interactive event that includes games and prizes for all fans. Fans who attend will have the opportunity to get Tampa Bay Buccaneers swag. The tour stops feature a 15-foot-tall replica of the NFL’s Super Bowl trophy and games, such as a 30-foot quarterback toss. Buccaneers cheerleaders and Captain Fear, the Bucs’ mascot, also will be in attendance.
