Eagles Seek Second Straight Region Win as the Wolfpack Look to Keep the Ground Game Rolling

Scouting the Wolfpack

The North Paulding Wolfpack enter this week locked in a three-way tie for third place in the region standings, looking to bounce back after a narrow touchdown loss to North Cobb. While the Pack has leaned on its run-first identity this season, last week they showed balance with a season-high 28 pass attempts and 254 passing yards. On the year, North Paulding is averaging 255.7 rushing yards and 194 passing yards per game, with over 1,500 rushing yards already on the season.

A trio of seniors has powered the Wolfpack ground game—Khalil Harrell (503 yards, 5 TDs), James Skelly (353 yards, 5 TDs), and Brycen Morris-Martinez (351 yards, 5 TDs). At quarterback, Tyler Niehr has been steady, throwing for 1,136 yards and 11 touchdowns against just two interceptions. His top targets include Presley Carr (246 yards, 3 TDs) and big-play threat Bryson Niehr, who is averaging 23.4 yards per catch.

Defensively, North Paulding is giving up 27.1 points per game. The front seven has been disruptive, led by Grant Henderson and Wesley Rakestraw, who have combined for 10 sacks and 14 tackles for loss. Sophomore linebacker Gavin Clark leads the defense with 32 total tackles.

Scouting the Eagles

The Etowah Eagles are riding momentum after securing their first region win last week, a performance fueled by their ground attack. Etowah racked up 244 rushing yards, improving their season averages to 191 yards rushing and 154.8 yards passing per game. Quarterback Zeke Douglas is the centerpiece of the offense, accounting for 929 passing yards, 6 passing touchdowns, and a team-high 538 rushing yards with 7 scores. Running backs by committee have provided support, with Kingston Caesar shining last week by adding 55 rushing yards, a touchdown, and 40 receiving yards. Through the air, Douglas looks to Walker Hughes (374 yards, 1 TD) and Brady Slaats (127 yards, 2 TDs) to move the chains.

On defense, Etowah has struggled, giving up 31.5 points per game, but the pass rush has been strong. The Eagles have tallied 10 sacks, with Cooper Hendrix leading the way at 6. Oliver Creigh remains the team’s leading tackler, while the defense has forced 7 turnovers this season.

Keys to the Game

For North Paulding:

• Pound the Rock: Harrell, Skelly, and Morris-Martinez must keep the chains moving and wear down Etowah’s front seven.

• Protect the Ball: Limit turnovers and stay ahead of the sticks to keep control of tempo.

• Contain Douglas: Force Etowah’s dual-threat QB to beat them from the pocket, not with his legs.

For Etowah:

• Douglas in Rhythm: When Douglas is effective as both a passer and runner, the offense thrives. Etowah needs balance to keep North Paulding guessing.

• Slow Down the Trio: Limiting North Paulding’s rushing trio is critical to preventing long, clock-draining drives.

• Capitalize on Pressure: With 20 sacks this year, the Eagles must disrupt Niehr early and create turnover opportunities.

Pundit's Pick

This matchup features two teams leaning heavily on the run game, but North Paulding’s three-headed rushing attack and stronger overall balance give them the edge. Etowah’s pass rush could swing momentum if they can get consistent pressure, but look for the Wolfpack to control the trenches and pull away late.

Prediction: North Paulding by 8