Eagles Look to Protect Home Field Against Talented Hornet Squad

Scouting the Eagles

The Eagles really got things going on the ground in their win over River Ridge, rushing for 312 yards and four touchdowns. Etowah had two 100-yard rushers, with quarterback Zeke Douglas and running back Kingston Ceasereach rushing for 108 yards. Ceaser led the way with three rushing touchdowns.

Douglas also showed his ability to make plays through the air, throwing for 99 yards and a touchdown. Through the first two games, the Eagles are averaging 253 yards per game on the ground and 121 yards per game through the air, making it clear that the rushing attack is going to be a major part of their offensive identity.

Defensively, it was a much stronger effort for the Eagles on Friday as they allowed just one early touchdown. Shamarion McClaurin currently leads Etowah in both solo tackles (10) and total tackles (19), while Donovan Pollard leads the team with three tackles for loss.

Scouting the Hornets

The Roswell Hornets are looking to bounce back after falling to Class 7A Newton last week. Matthew Schletty provided the bulk of the offense for the Hornets, throwing for 136 yards and rushing for 100 yards to pace the team. On the season, Schletty has passed for 189 yards and rushed for 209 yards.

Schletty’s primary targets were Sean Smith, who hauled in six passes for 83 yards, and Chase Jackson, who caught four passes for 109 yards. Smith leads the team with 10 receptions for 107 yards. On the young season, Roswell is averaging 124 yards per game through the air and 174.5 yards per game on the ground.

Defensively, the Hornets recorded two sacks against Newton but surrendered 450 total yards, including 246 through the air. Ian Foust and Jake Smith lead the team with 20 total tackles each, while Oshawn Walker leads the Hornets with two sacks.

Keys to the Game

Etowah Eagles

• Establish the run and control the line of scrimmage.

• Continue to get productive play from Zeke Douglas both running and throwing.

• Get Kingston Ceaser involved early and often.

• Avoid giving Roswell easy opportunities through the air.

Roswell Hornets

• Establish the ground game and take some pressure off Matthew Schletty.

• Get Schletty comfortable and in rhythm early.

• Limit Etowah’s rushing attack and force the Eagles to win through the air.

• Put last week's loss to Newton behind them and avoid a hangover against Etowah.

Pundit's Pick

If you’re an Eagles fan, you have to like the direction and identity this team is taking. Etowah is looking to be a physical football team at the point of attack, and Douglas has been good this season with his decision-making. Ceaser is proving to be a great complement in the backfield.

For Roswell, this is an opportunity to get back to the form the Hornets showed at the Benz in Week Zero. This is a team that is littered with talent, but the Hornets will need to continue establishing the ground game while Schletty gains more and more comfort leading the offense. If you’re Roswell, you simply can’t have a hangover from the Newton game. We expect the Hornets to bounce back in a competitive matchup.

Prediction: Roswell by 8