Rob Davis, Staff Writer

The Patriots' offense revolves around the rushing game, despite QB Anthony Martinez' skill. Martinez

struggled in the first round against Petersburg. Fullback Sam Robinson helped open up the field,

against a Petersburg team that was able to cover Patrick Henry on the deep route. WR Travis Gilpin is a

constant threat. He has breakaway speed and an almost unmatched catching ability. If Martinez gets the ball

near Gilpin, he catches it. Usually for a big gain. HB Magel Smith is small, but has speed and a wily

ability to dodge tacklers. He can't go up the middle, but often takes the ball on pitches outside.

The Patriots' defense has been its biggest asset this season. It starts with a medium-sized defensive line

(one 300-pounder) but gets its support from a constantly blitzing array of linebackers. Woody

Woodworth harasses quarterbacks constant. Woodworth isn't big, but he's quick. LB Nate Fairley is the

Patriots' leading tackler, using his 230 pounds and speed to his advantage. Gilpin works as a cornerback.

Throwing near him can be dangerous. Most teams haven't thrown much against Patrick Henry. Mills E. Godwin

managed 21 points against PH, the most the defense has given up all season. In the first round of the

regionals, Petersburg QB Jason Pulley was 0-11 passing against the Patriots. Credit several drops and safety

Purcell Moore, who laid out several receivers.

The Patriots' don't have much playoff experience. They admitted they were nervous in the first round, despite

a solid week of practice. They made many mistakes against Petersburg. Fortunately for Patrick Henry,

Petersburg made more. Martinez passed for 70 yards, his smallest output of the season. He threw three

interceptions, and fumbled three times (one was recovered by Petersburg). But even when the offense

makes mistakes, the Patrick Henry defense silences opponents. The Patriots were banged up against

Petersburg, Martinez had a knee injury, but nothing that kept him out of the game. Everyone is expected to

play Friday night at PH against Highland Springs.