Scouting Harvard at Burlington Central

Harvard (3-3, 1-1) at Burlington Central (1-5, 1-1)

When: 7 p.m. Friday at Rocket Hill

Last year: Harvard 27, Burlington Central 7

Last week: Burlington Central 48, Hampshire 6; North Boone 34, Harvard 21

Outlook: Coach Aaron Wichman pointed to senior leadership as a reason the Rockets were able to rebound from an 0-5 start to blow out rival Hampshire on homecoming last Friday. Playing a team that wasn't undefeated for a change didn't hurt either. Central's first five opponents are now 29-1. "It was the first time our guys looked up and saw a team that wasn't undefeated," Wichman said. "I think the speed of the game slowed down for them." Wichman said captain Brandon Westergaard addressed the team last Thursday and vowed on behalf of the senior class to try to win the last four games on the schedule. To do so, the Rockets will have to beat Harvard, an opponent that has had their number of late. Burlington Central won 8 straight games in this series through 2006, but the Hornets have won the last 3 meetings. Harvard running back Matt Smith has rushed for over 500 yards and 8 touchdowns. "It's a typical Harvard team," Wichman said. "They like to run the ball and they have two guys in the backfield who can establish the run. Traditionally, they're pretty good at stopping the run, too." Burlington Central rushed for 199 yards against Hampshire and sophomore quarterback Ryan Ritchie threw for 204 yards. His top target was Michael Kellenberger, who caught 5 balls for 183 yards and 3 touchdowns.