PIEDMONT — For one team it is a game of finding their place, for the other a game for building momentum, but either way it is a game of necessity as Pickens travels to Wren tonight.
Wren (1-2), following a strong run in the 2014 playoffs before falling to Emerald, is looking for an offensive identity still on the heels of the graduation of quarterback Kelly Bryant, now third string for the Clemson Tigers in his freshman year.
Instead of posting an average of more than 40 points per game on offense, the Golden Hurricanes have found little defense and a need for more offensive firepower.
Pickens has shown marked improvement over 2014, despite the 1-2 start to the year. It would be tough to forecast which side of the ball will be strongest when the Blue Flame and Wren kick off as the defense has been steady, if not dominating, and the offense has shown moments of production.
Wren’s defense has surrendered over 40 points per game on average, including 61 to a strong T. L Hanna Yellow Jackets offense in week two.
Wren, on the production of just over 18 points per contest, will be challenged to increase their offensive numbers against a Pickens defense surrendering approximately the same per game. The numbers don’t seem to bear out where the Golden Hurricanes offense is concerned, though.
Approaching the upcoming home game Wren has posted 252 yards passing per game and 219 yards on the ground. It will come down to Wren’s ability to convert drives and Pickens’ ability to shut down the potentially dangerous Golden Hurricane attack.
Wren opened the season with a 28-14 victory over Woodmont on the road, followed by the blowout at the hands of Hanna, and a 49-15 drubbing by Easley. Pickens is coming off a 30-0 shutout win over Liberty, following back to back losses to Easley (29-17) and Pendleton (26-16).
Kick off is at 7:30 p.m. at Wren High School in Piedmont.