25 Years Later: Etowah and Paulding County Renew an Old Rivalry
Scouting the Patriots
The Patriots have been impressive through the first three weeks, and sophomore quarterback Will McGee has been a big reason for their success. McGee has completed 71% of his passes for 500 yards and five touchdowns while throwing just one interception.
His top targets have been Maximus Gerhard, who has 14 receptions for 163 yards and a touchdown, and Jaytavious Whatley, who has hauled in 13 passes for 296 yards and three touchdowns.
The Patriots have also found success on the ground behind senior Jereith Graham, who has rushed for 187 yards and a touchdown. As a team, Paulding County is averaging 185 yards per game through the air and 110 yards per game on the ground.
Defensively, linebacker Zayden Cooks leads the Patriots with 13 total tackles, while sophomore linebacker Khalil Hillhas recorded two sacks to lead the team. Paulding County has also forced five turnovers through its first three games.
Scouting the Eagles
The Etowah Eagles are looking to bounce back after falling to Roswell last Friday. A week after rushing for more than 300 yards, the Eagles were held to just 117 yards on the ground in the loss.
Sophomore Tristian Alston led Etowah with 55 yards on five carries, while Jayden Christopher added 26 yards on eight carries. Dual-threat quarterback Zeke Douglass continues to be the engine that drives the Eagles' offense. Douglass has thrown for 309 yards, rushed for 242 yards and accounted for six total touchdowns this season.
Christopher and junior Kingston Ceaser have combined for 305 rushing yards, giving the Eagles plenty of options in the running game. Etowah is averaging 207 yards per game on the ground and 103 yards per game through the air.
Through the air, Nick Pacini has been one of Douglass' favorite targets, with six receptions for 108 yards and two touchdowns. Walker Hughes has added 11 receptions for 83 yards.
Senior linebacker Shamarion McClaurin leads the Eagles defense with 14 total tackles and 11 assists. Etowah has recorded four sacks and forced five turnovers this season.
Keys to the Game
Paulding County Patriots
Slow down Zeke Douglass: The Patriots will have to find a way to contain Etowah's dynamic quarterback.
Protect Will McGee: The sophomore quarterback has been efficient, but Etowah will likely look to pressure him.
Continue the offensive balance: Paulding County will need its running game to keep the Eagles from keying on McGee and the passing attack.
Create turnovers: The Patriots have already forced five turnovers and will need a few more big plays defensively.
Etowah Eagles
Get the ground game going: After being held to 117 rushing yards against Roswell, the Eagles need to get back to their physical style.
Let Douglass make plays: Etowah's quarterback is at his best when he can make plays both through the air and on the ground.
Pressure McGee: The Eagles will likely try to make the sophomore quarterback uncomfortable and force him into mistakes.
Start fast: After last week's loss, Etowah needs to establish momentum early and avoid putting itself in another hole.
Pundit's Pick
The Patriots are certainly riding high after their fast start, but this will likely be the most dynamic offense Paulding County has faced this season. The big question will be whether the Patriots can find an answer for Zeke Douglass and his ability to hurt defenses both through the air and on the ground.
Meanwhile, Etowah will have to find a way to bounce back quickly after last week's loss. Expect the Eagles defense to try to get after the young Patriots quarterback and force him into some difficult situations.
Prediction: Etowah by 8
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