
Scouting the Raiders
The Walton Raiders moved ever so closely to securing a home playoff spot as they outlasted Cherokee last week. The Raiders now look to make it three straight victories as they host Etowah at Raider Valley. Walton is averaging 27.8 points per game and continue to be led by senior quarterback, Kaden Gilstrap, who has thrown for 1,388 yards and 11-TDs. Last week, Gilstrap accounted for 226 yards of total offense and added 1 rushing TD in the victory. His top target this season is Christian Ward who has 33 receptions for 523 yards and 6 TDs. Lucas Farrington tallied 145 yards rushing and 2-TDs in the victory against Cherokee last week and has ruhsed for 587 yards and 14-TDs on the year. We believe Walton will try to get him going again this week. Defensively, the Raiders are allowing 25.1 points per game. Linebackers Jake Thorner and Noah Lavallee continue to lead the team in total tackles with 98 and 83 respectively.
Scouting the Eagles
The Etowah Eagles got a big win over Wheeler last week to keep their playoff hopes alive. The Eagles will have to win out and need a little help, so there is plenty to play for. Etowah’s defense came up big last week, limiting Wheeler’s ground game, an area that they have had some issues with earlier in the season. It was by far the best defensive performance of the year for the Eagles, as they held Wheeler to 13 points and forced two tunovers. On the season, Etowah is allowing 29.1 points per game. The offense is averaging 14.1 points per game and they continue to improve each week. The difference maker for Etowah last week was the leg of Liam Kinsella, who booted 3 field goals, including the game winner with under a minute left to help secure the victory.
Pundit's Pick
Etowah is certainly playing their best football of the season and will travel to Walton to face a team that has not been as explosive this season as we have previously seen. That’s not to take Walton lightly, as they are certainly one of the top teams in the region. The biggest question is whether or not Etowah’s defense harass the quarterback and slow down the ground game. Etowah can’t let the scoring get out of hand because it will be tough to play catch up. We like Walton by 10.

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