This weeks game at Madison High School will match the Thunderbolts top ranked rushing offense against the Cougars 2nd ranked rushing defense.

Within this war, Thunderbolt runningback Glenn Vereen will attempt to surpass the 1,000 yard barrier, a feat that has not been accomplished in the NWFL for several years.

Currently leading the league by nearly 200 yards, Vereen has rushed for over 400 yards in the last 3 games while averaging 7.2 yards per carry. His season is even more amazing when you consider that he split time with Gary Clemons through week 7.

Overcoming sharing time has not slowed Vereen in the past. Last season he split time with DeShawn Fontleroy through the first 6 games. At that point he was 5th in the league with 280 yards while Fontleroy was leading with 340. An injury to Fontleroy put the burden of the rushing game all on Vereen's shoulders. He responded with 442 yard in the final 4 games and finished tops in the league with 722 yards, nearly 200 yards ahead of the Bengals Don LaBorde.

Competition for playing time has never bothered Vereen. "Being a competitor, knowing that we were going to share time motivated me," he commented.

115 yards vs the Cavaliers stingy rushing defense will not be easy for Vereen though. During their week one match up the Thunderbolts only managed 118 yards with a 3.3 average per carry in their 24-21 victory. The most rushing yards allowed by the Cougs this year was 127 yards on 30 carries (4.2 avg) to the Eagles in week 2. In contrast, the Eagles are averaging over 192 yards and 7.5 yards per carry in their other games.

Although the 5-4 Thunderbolts won the NWFL Championship without Vereen in 1997, it was largely on the strength of their passing game. That season Calvin Griggs led an anemic rushing attack with 206 yards, just 2 more yards than Vereen had last week. Vereen rejoined the team in '98 and the Thunderbolts finished the season with the league's second ranked attack, just 14 yards a game behind the Bengals. Pretty amazing considering the Thunderbolts were definitely a "pass first, pass second, oh yeah we can hand off too" offense. Yet Vereen still led the league with 722 yards.

Vereen is quick to give credit where credit is due. "The line has done an excellent job. They make my job that much easier. I just find the holes and run through them."

Thunderbolt center Rod Willson believes that Vereen is the best back that he has ever blocked for. "He always hits the right hole and gets through very fast. He's makes the linemen's job easy as we don't have to hold our blocks very long when he's back there."

"He has always been the most feared back that any team has to look for," claims Cougar Defensive End Kobie Griggs. "His vision is probably the best that I've seen. Not just north and south but laterally as well. Other backs in the league are good, but as far as pass catching ability, reading blocks and speed, few can compare. It's always a challenge playing against him as you never know where he's going to hit you at."

Even Vereen has trouble defining his running style. "I like to slash. Why take a hit if you don't have to? But I'm not going to run out of bounds either."

Griggs' admiration for Vereen goes beyond physical skills. "I've always respected his sportsmanship. He doesn't trash talk or get in anybody's face."

Vereen's attitude on the field may stem from his professional career. He works with 14 to 17 year old boys and girls as the Program Direction for the Teenage Pregnancy Prevention Program sponsored by the Boys and Girls Aid Society.

Griggs had his thoughts about Vereen's chances in his quest, "He's my boy but he won't get it. If he does get 1,000 yards he's flat out MVP. Period."

"I'm not one for honors but if it were to happen I'll be more than happy to take it," commented Vereen about the possibility of being MVP.