Creekview vs. Pope: Grizzlies Look to Extend Winning Streak over Greyhounds

Scouting the Grizzlies

The Creekview Grizzlies return to action looking to extend their winning streak to three games. Senior running back Carson Lott is steadily approaching the 1,000-yard mark, having rushed for 913 yards and 10 touchdowns while averaging 6.7 yards per carry. The Grizzlies have piled up more than 1,500 rushing yards as a team this season, with junior quarterback Landon Barnes and freshman running back Jax Howard also making significant contributions. Barnes has rushed for 219 yards and five touchdowns, while Howard has added 250 yards and two scores.

Barnes has also thrown for 647 yards and six touchdowns, although he has been intercepted five times. Zach Reis continues to lead the receiving corps with 17 receptions for 246 yards and three touchdowns. Creekview is averaging 26 points per game while its defense is allowing just over 14 points per contest.

Landon Parker leads the defensive effort with 59 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss and two sacks. J.D. Russell has recorded 55 tackles and an interception, while Tru Daniel has contributed 46 tackles, five tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. Hudson Stanley leads the team with 11 tackles for loss, and Caden Simpson has a team-high three sacks.

Scouting the Greyhounds

The Pope Greyhounds are looking to snap a two-game losing streak as they continue to build on their improvement from a year ago. Like Creekview, Pope relies heavily on its ground game, having rushed for 1,061 yards this season. Quarterback Hudson Marinko leads the team with 442 rushing yards and three touchdowns, while Curt Mardis and Ivan Dardan Jr. have each rushed for 276 yards and combined for five touchdowns.

Marinko has also thrown for 673 yards and four touchdowns but is completing just 37.5% of his passes. Luc McClendon has been the Greyhounds' top receiving threat, hauling in 15 receptions for 467 yards and all five of Pope's receiving touchdowns. Connor Oryan has added 10 catches for 172 yards.

Pope is averaging 17.2 points per game while allowing 33.7. Josiah Moss leads the defense with 62 total tackles, four tackles for loss and one sack. The Greyhounds have recorded four sacks and five interceptions this season, showing they can create opportunities for their defense despite allowing plenty of points.

Keys to the Game

Creekview

• Feed Lott: Carson Lott is closing in on 1,000 rushing yards. Keep him involved to control the clock and wear down Pope's defense.

• Protect the Football: Landon Barnes must limit turnovers and capitalize on opportunities in the passing game.

• Win at the Line of Scrimmage: Lean on a rushing attack that has produced more than 1,500 yards this season.

• Set the Defensive Tone: Landon Parker and J.D. Russell must help contain Pope's ground game and force difficult passing situations.

Pope

• Establish the Run: Hudson Marinko, Curt Mardis and Ivan Dardan Jr. need to keep the ground game productive against Creekview's defense.

• Connect Through the Air: Marinko must improve his passing efficiency and find Luc McClendon, Pope's leading receiving threat.

• Create Turnovers: Build on the team's five interceptions to disrupt Creekview's offensive rhythm.

• Keep It Close: Pope must limit Creekview's scoring opportunities and avoid falling behind early.

Pundit's Pick

Pope is coming off one of the toughest stretches on its schedule, and the challenge doesn't get much easier this week. Meanwhile, Creekview has battled through close games against a pair of resurgent programs over the last two weeks and will need to get off to a fast start against the Greyhounds.

Pope has enough talent to make this interesting if it can hang around, particularly with its ground game. However, Creekview's stronger defensive numbers and the production of Lott and the rushing attack give the Grizzlies the edge. We expect a closer contest than some might anticipate before Creekview pulls away.

Prediction: Creekview by 13.