Scouting the Hornets
The Roswell Hornets are back in the post season for the 11th consecutive time. Roswell comes into this game having won their previous six games before their win streak was snapped last week against rival Milton. The Hornets are averaging 39.9 points per game while the defense is allowing 26.4 points per game. Roswell is averaging 193.4 yards per game through the air and 210.1 yards per game on the ground. Dual threat quarterback Trey Smith has thrown for 1,917 yards, rushed for 787 yards and accounted for 34 total TDs. Meanwhile, Kaiden Perry and Synkwan Smith have combined to rush for 863 yards and 5-TDs. Grant Cook (31 receptions, 560 yards, 4-TDs) and Wills Campbell (27 receptions, 432 yards, 4-TDs) lead the team in receptions. Defensively, the Hornets are led by Brody Duffy (97 Total Tackles, 9 tackles for loss) and Ryder Duffy (95 Total Tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 10-sacks.) The Hornets have sacked opposing quarterbacks 36 times and forced 16 turnovers. The have defeated five playoff teams this season.
Scouting the Knights
The River Ridge Knights return to the playoffs for the fourth time in five years. The Knights come into the first week of the playoffs winners of their last two games. Their two region losses came by a combined 6 points. The Knights have leaned heavily on the pass this year, as they are averaging 189.1 yards per game through the air and 86.3 yards per game on the ground. They are averaging 38 points per game while the defense is allowing 16.9 points per game. Senior quarterback Ethan Spector has thrown for 1,857 yards and 27-TDs with just one interception. Grant Hollier and Thomas Thompsen lead the team with 38 receptions each. Hollier leads the team in receiving yardage (640) and receiving TDs (11). Camden Cox, Spector and Micah Pugh have combined to rush for 698 yards and 8-TDs. The Knights have forced 8 turnovers ad sacked opposing quarterbacks 11 times. River Ridge has defeated two playoff teams this season.
Pundit's Pick
Roswell and River Ridge met last season in the first round of the playoffs, so both team’s should be relatively familiar with their opponents this week. Expect for both teams to try to establish their identity on the ground. Roswell will certainly have to put pressure on quarterback Ethan Spector, otherwise it could be a long night for the Roswell secondary. We believe the Knights keep it close, but like the Hornets on the strength of their ground game. Roswell by 7.
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