Burmeister and Wolverines Look to Keep Momentum on the Road as Lassiter Awaits

Scouting the Trojans

The Lassiter Trojans saw their three-game win streak snapped last Friday in a tough loss to Creekview, marking both their first defeat of the season and their first region setback. Now back at home, the Trojans will look to bounce back and defend their turf.

Much of Lassiter’s offensive attention revolves around senior quarterback Mitch Seaman, but the Trojans have been far from one-dimensional. They average 206.8 passing yards and 197.3 rushing yards per game, showcasing a well-balanced attack. Last week, however, Creekview stifled the passing game, holding Seaman to a season-low 121 yards through the air and no touchdowns. On the year, Seaman has thrown for 779 yards and 7 touchdowns, while also rushing for 186 yards and 3 scores.

In the backfield, freshman Drew McGee has emerged as a reliable option, rushing for 257 yards and 5 touchdowns, while Caden Bloom has chipped in 197 yards and 2 scores. On the outside, senior receiver Collins Price has become a force to be reckoned with, hauling in 23 receptions for 426 yards and 7 touchdowns, making him one of the top weapons in the region. Offensively, Lassiter is averaging 37.5 points per game, while defensively, they’ve allowed 24.5 points per game. Linebacker Reid Ashmore leads the team with 18 tackles, including 5 tackles for loss and 1 sack, while defensive end Chase Jones has matched him with 18 tackles and 3 tackles for loss.

Scouting the Wolverines

The Woodstock Wolverines, meanwhile, are riding momentum after a thrilling win over River Ridge. Junior running back Xavier Murphy provided the highlight of the night, turning a late-game screen pass into an 80-yard game-winning touchdown, helping Woodstock notch its first victory over the Knights in five tries. The Wolverines also dug into the playbook with some trickeration, as leading receiver Rylan Hubbard threw a touchdown pass to keep the offense rolling.

Quarterback Drew Burmeister continued to shine, completing 60% of his passes for 147 yards and a touchdown, while also leading the team with 103 rushing yards. On the season, Burmeister has accounted for 785 passing yards, 359 rushing yards, and 11 total touchdowns, making him one of the most versatile signal-callers in the region. Hubbard has been his top target with 27 receptions for 307 yards and 3 scores, while Adrian Holliday has added 11 catches for 124 yards and 2 touchdowns. Woodstock is averaging 28.5 points per game, while the defense has been stout, giving up just 15.5 points per game. Daniel Palmese (20 tackles) and Tyler Howard (19 tackles) pace the unit.

Keys to Victory

Lassiter Trojans

• Establish the run with McGee and Bloom to control the clock and keep Burmeister off the field.

• Protect Seaman and give him time to target Price downfield.

• Avoid turnovers and capitalize on short fields to stay in the game.

• Limit big plays from Murphy and Hubbard to slow Woodstock’s offensive momentum.

  
  

Woodstock Wolverines

• Pressure Seaman and disrupt Lassiter’s timing in the passing game.

• Use Burmeister’s dual-threat ability to keep the Trojan defense off balance.

• Get the ball to Hubbard and Murphy in space for explosive plays.

• Maintain defensive discipline to prevent Lassiter from sustaining long drives.

Pundit's Pick

This matchup features two balanced offenses with plenty of firepower. For Woodstock, the formula will be simple: pressure Seaman and keep Lassiter’s passing game from finding rhythm. If the Wolverines can force Lassiter into mistakes, they have the offensive balance to capitalize quickly. Lassiter’s best chance lies in controlling the clock with McGee and Bloom on the ground while allowing Seaman to take shots to Price downfield. Lassiter is improved and should compete, but Woodstock’s balanced attack and Burmeister’s versatility tilt this one.

Prediction: Wolverines by 28.