Game of the Week: Warriors prepare to battle for crown
By Jose Negron
jnegron@yourmvi.com
When Elizabeth Forward travels to Mt. Pleasant for an Interstate Conference showdown tonight, the Warriors will be playing for more than just an edge in the race for the conference title.
They’ll be playing for Evan Lewis, too.
The Warriors’ senior quarterback suffered a torn ACL in last week’s double overtime victory over South Allegheny. He has yet to undergo surgery, but he is likely out for the remainder of the season, putting a premature end to his high school football career.
“Everybody knows how hard Evan works and what a great player he is,” Elizabeth Forward head coach Mike Collodi said. “We talk a lot about brotherhood and we stick together no matter what. I think they want to get this one for Evan, the rest of the team, the community and the school. They’re focused on getting this done.”
With first place in the conference standings up for grabs, the Warriors certainly have a void to be filled under center.
Two players, however, are more than capable of filling in for Lewis.
Freshman Vernon Settles, the nephew of former NFL quarterback Charlie Batch, shared the quarterback duties with senior Nico Mrvos after Lewis’ injury last week and played a big role in the 20-14 win. He tossed a 10-yard touchdown pass to Chase Whatton in the second overtime for the game-winning score.
Collodi said he could end up using both Settles and Mrvos at the quarterback position against the Vikings (4-1, 4-0). Mrvos began last season as the starting quarterback for EF.
“They both bring some different dynamics. Nico has the experience being here last year, but he’s also such a great weapon at receiver. He’s playing like an all-conference receiver and I’d hate to move him,” Collodi said. “I have full confidence in Vern, too. He’s extremely athletic and he’s been throwing the football since he was 3 or 4 years old. Vern can make every throw and he’s very mobile and can run. He’s the total package.”
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