Colonels’ Explosive Offense Faces Its Biggest Test Yet Against Unbeaten Grizzlies

Scouting the Colonels

The Colonels have turned to sophomore Noah Rogers at quarterback, and the dual-threat signal caller has shown plenty of poise in his first season as a starter. Rogers has plenty of talent around him at the skill positions, including All-Region returners Kalil Charles at running back and Jahlil Abdullah-Kortay at receiver.

Charles was outstanding last week against Sprayberry, rushing for more than 200 yards while bringing his season total to five rushing touchdowns. It’s a family affair in the Cass backfield, as Kalil’s twin brother Kalel Charles provides a change of pace and found the end zone twice in last week’s victory.

The Colonels have shown that they have plenty of firepower, but they’ll face a much different challenge this week against a Creekview defense that has been flying around the football.

Scouting the Grizzlies

The Creekview Grizzlies are off to a 2-0 start for the third time in four seasons, and they have been dominant in the process. The Grizzlies have outscored their first two opponents 90-12.

It’s no surprise that the ground game has been the engine powering the Creekview offense. A big reason for that success has been the offensive line, with Ryan Sullivan, Jack Wright and Bryant Kealhofer consistently creating running lanes for Carson Lott. Lott leads the Grizzlies with 234 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

Jax Howard continues to emerge as a change-of-pace back, giving Creekview another weapon in the backfield. Through the air, Zach Reis and Derek Mizysak have combined for nine receptions, 192 receiving yards and three touchdowns.

Defensively, the Grizzlies have been just as impressive, recording 9.5 sacks through two games. True Daniel leads the team with 17 total tackles, while Ben Theroux has four tackles

for loss.

Keys to the Game

Cass Colonels

• Get the Charles brothers going early and establish the ground game.

• Give Noah Rogers time to find Cass’ explosive receivers.

• Avoid a slow start against a Creekview team that can capitalize on mistakes.

• Create turnovers and give the offense extra possessions.

Creekview Grizzlies

• Slow down the Charles brothers and prevent Cass from controlling the line of scrimmage.

• Keep the pressure on Noah Rogers and make him beat them from the pocket.

• Continue to establish the ground game behind Ryan Sullivan, Jack Wright and Bryant Kealhofer.

• Stay disciplined against Cass’ speedy receivers.

Pundit's Pick

The test will be much bigger for the Grizzlies this week, as Cass brings one of the most prolific and explosive offenses Creekview will see all season. Creekview’s defensive front will have to find a way to slow down the Charles brothers, while the secondary must be locked in against Cass’ speedy receivers.

For Cass, the challenge will be slowing down the Grizzlies’ ground game. If the Colonels can make Creekview one-dimensional, it could be a long night for the Grizzlies. We believe this will be a back-and-forth battle between two talented teams, but Cass simply has too much explosiveness on offense.

Prediction: Cass by 9