Creekview Looks to Rebound Against Pope to Stay in Post-Season Contention

Scouting the Grizzlies

The Creekview Grizzlies dropped a heartbreaker last week, falling to Sprayberry in overtime, but if that game proved anything, it’s that their recent three-game win streak was no fluke. The Grizzlies have found their identity and will look to bounce back as they return home to face the Pope Greyhounds on Friday night.

Creekview’s offense has been anchored by a powerful ground game. Junior running back Carson Lott has rushed for 529 yards and four touchdowns, while quarterback Alex Penrod has added 375 rushing yards and five scores of his own. Penrod has also been efficient through the air, completing 66.7% of his passes for 548 yards and seven touchdowns, with just one interception all season.

His top target, Jackson Shirley, has been a reliable playmaker, hauling in 20 receptions for 379 yards and four touchdowns. The Grizzlies are averaging 21.2 points per game, while their defense has allowed 23.8 points per contest. Linebackers Landon Parker and J.D. Russell lead the team with 44 total tackles each, and Parker tops the unit with 35 solo stops. Carter Cundy has been a force up front with 7.5 tackles for loss, while the defense as a whole has recorded 8.5 sacks and forced eight turnovers.

Scouting the Greyhounds

The Pope Greyhounds, meanwhile, are still searching for their first win of the season. They battled hard last week against Woodstock, keeping it close into the second half, but ultimately came up short. Despite their record, the Greyhounds have shown steady improvement throughout the year and have been more competitive as of late.

Pope has leaned on its running game, which has produced 777 yards on the season. Ivan Darden Jr. leads the way with 72 carries for 424 yards and three touchdowns, while Ethan Alterman has chipped in 206 yards on 69 carries. Quarterback Hudson Marinko has complemented the ground game with 591 passing yards and five touchdowns, throwing just one interception in 87 attempts.

Sophomore receiver Luc McClendon continues to be the go-to target in the passing game, leading the team with nine receptions for 228 yards and a touchdown. Darden Jr. has also been effective as a receiver out of the backfield, adding seven receptions for 81 yards. As a team, Pope is averaging 11.4 points per game, while the defense has allowed 38.7.

Keys to the Game

Creekview Grizzlies

• Finish Drives: The Grizzlies must convert red zone trips into touchdowns — settling for field goals could keep Pope hanging around.

• Establish the Run Early: With Lott and Penrod leading the way, Creekview should lean on its ground attack to wear down Pope’s defense.

• Stay Disciplined Defensively: Avoid giving up big plays in the passing game; Pope thrives off timely play-action when defenses sell out to stop the run.

Pope Greyhounds

• Ball Control is Key: Sustaining long drives with Darden Jr. and Alterman can help keep Creekview’s offense off the field and shorten the game.

• Protect Marinko: The offensive line must keep the Grizzlies’ front seven from collapsing the pocket and forcing turnovers.

• Capitalize on Opportunities: If the Greyhounds can convert short fields or turnovers into points, they’ll have a chance to hang around into the fourth quarter.

Pundit's Pick

Both teams prefer to set the tone on the ground, which should make this a physical, clock-controlling battle. The question will be whether Pope can sustain drives and finish possessions against a Creekview defense that’s been tough in key moments.Both programs bring a physical identity and a commitment to running the football, which should make for an old-school, grind-it-out contest. Pope’s improvement is noticeable, but Creekview’s balance and discipline on both sides of the ball could prove too much down the stretch.

Prediction: Creekview by 17