Harrison’s Earth Wind and Fire

The 2007 New York Giants won Super Bowl XLII thanks to the three-man rushing attack of Brandon Jacobs, Derrick Ward and Ahmad Bradshaw. The team and media nicknamed the backs earth, wind and fire.

Jacobs was considered the earth because he was the power back, capable of moving the mountains in front of him. Ward—the wind—would push his line with his quick strike athletic ability. Finally Bradshaw was the fire because he would burn past the defense for large chunks of yardage and big plays.

That formula helped the Giants win 14 games that year culminating with the super bowl. Now the same strategy is being used locally, helping the Huskies reach the state championship game for the first time since 2002.

Tanner Knox would be Harrison's version of the earth. Like Jacobs Knox is built to be the power back of an offense. Knox is one of the team's captains and a great two way player. He is a strong downhill back who can plow through a defense.

Harrison's wind would be Alex Acompora. Acompora's speed and versatility in the backfield makes him a difficult assignment for any opposing defense. He can spread out wide, in the slot or in the backfield and can score from anywhere on the field. When the senior hits his stride there are few people in the state that can catch him.

The fire of the team's running core is Harrison's Steven Ricciardi. As a senior Ricciardi has clearly established himself as the emotional leader of the team. As a running back he can muscle his way past the defense's front four and use his speed to break away from the pack. Ricciardi can go around the pile or through it, either way when he touches the ball good things happen for the Huskies.

Opposing defenses have tried to shut down one facet of the Harrison rushing attack in several games, but when they key in on one individual the other two usually have big games. In the past defenses have stacked eight or ten defenders in the box to try to combat Knox's power, but then Harrison will pitch the ball outside to Acompora or Ricciardi. Other times the opposition will spread the defense out to try and contain Acompora's speed or Ricciardi's illusiveness allowing Knox to run through the middle.

Harrison's trio of senior running backs will be on display one last time Friday afternoon against the Aquinas Institute in the State Championship game in Syracuse.

If Harrison can establish the running game early they will be a tough team to beat in the Carrier Dome.