The Atoms play the South County Stallions for the Homecoming game this Friday.

They have the likes of Kevin Allen, a senior weighing in at 220 pounds. He plays middle linebacker for the Stallions, but it’s not this that makes him a known name.

He squats 680 pounds and bench presses 495. He is a key factor on their team, just like senior Tucker Mack is on the Atoms squad. Against the Wolverines, Mack completed seven of twelve passes with no interceptions.

He also carried the ball for 131 yards and scored one touchdown. If Mack can perform like this on Friday, the team will have a good chance. Consistency is the key to success, and the Atoms can be consistent. The Atoms lost to the Wolverines 54-30 on Oct. 16 at West Potomac. Prior to this loss, the Atoms were on a four game winning streak.

The 5-2 Wolverines have scored 265 points this season amd conceded 176 points.

“The Wolverines were very talented and physical,” Head Coach Mike Scott said. “They had some real playmakers in the skill units, like Daiimon Cleveland, Carlston Burch, and their quarterback Mark Ellis.”

The Atoms lost to the Wolverines 54-30, in a very high scoring game. Luckily, this game can help the team instead of hindering them. Learning from their mistakes is essential.

“We played hard and pretty well for three quarters, we had some early mental mistakes but we overcame them, and then made some adjustments at halftime,” Scott said.

“We dominated the third quarter, taking the lead. We needed to finish them off and instead let them get back in the game with the playmakers they had.” This result can help them prepare for their game this Friday, against the South County Stallions. “We learned we have the ability to play and beat anyone but we have to finish teams off when we have the chance,” Scott said.

“We can’t let good teams like West Potomac stay in the game.” The Stallions have won all seven of their games, scoring 227 points. They’ve only conceded 118 points, the most being 40 against the West Springfield Spartans. The Atoms have scored 205 points and conceded 201 points in their last seven games.

As of last Friday, the Atoms retained a positive record of four wins and three losses. The team is aware of the strengths and weaknesses of the Stallions, and can use this to their advantage. What hurts them is our reward, and every team has negatives.

“We always want to improve, that is our goal every day,” Scott said. “They play fast and physical like we do, so we need to continue to maintain our conditioning.” The Atoms are preparing as well as they can for the undefeated South County side.

The Stallions are a strong side, but it is all about analyzing the key elements in finding victory.

“We will have a great week of practice and implement a few new wrinkles,”  Scott said. “But we are going to play our game which is to play fast and be the more physical team.” A main component in beating the Stallions or beating anyone really, is overcoming obstacles. The week of homecoming can be hectic and the players need to keep their heads in the game for this Friday. “Homecoming week is always tough, a lot of distractions and things going on that could take us out of our focus,” Scott said. “They are a very good, confident football team, ranked fourth in the area and undefeated. We cannot make mental mistakes and need to take advantages of our opportunities.” The game will definitely be tough, because South County is truly a skilled team.