Etowah hosts Wheeler in a Battle to Stay Alive in Region Playoff Race

Scouting the Eagles

The Etowah Eagles came up just short last week but will look to bounce back and keep their playoff hopes alive as they host Wheeler in a critical Region 5-6A matchup Friday night.

Etowah has leaned on a balanced offensive attack this season, totaling 1,123 passing yards and 1,255 rushing yardsthrough seven games. Quarterback Zeke Douglass has been the engine of the offense, leading the team both through the air and on the ground. Douglass has thrown for 1,123 yards and added 625 rushing yards, accounting for 15 total touchdowns. Last week, he led the Eagles with 91 rushing yards and a touchdown, while Kingston Caesar chipped in 18 yards on the ground.

In the passing game, Douglass continues to spread the ball around to a dependable group of receivers. Walker Hughesleads the team with 21 receptions for 492 yards and a touchdown, while Brady Slaats has added 11 receptions for 139 yards and two scores. Overall, the Eagles are averaging 27.2 points per game, but their defense has had trouble slowing opponents, allowing 31.7 points per game.

Linebacker Oliver Creigh remains one of the leaders of the Etowah defense with 48 tackles, while Drake Mason and Cooper Hendrix have each recorded seven tackles for loss. The defense has forced seven turnovers this season and will need a strong showing to slow down Wheeler’s balanced offense.

Scouting the Wildcats

The Wheeler Wildcats, meanwhile, are coming off a big win that kept them squarely in the region playoff picture, sitting in a three-way tie for fourth place. The Wildcats have showcased balance on offense, averaging 181.3 yards passing and 174.6 yards rushing per game.

Junior quarterback Patrick McCullough has emerged as a steady leader, throwing for 223 yards last week and completing passes to six different receivers. Versatile playmaker Greg Kendrick was once again the catalyst, rushing for 116 yards and a touchdown. On the season, Kendrick has racked up 909 rushing yards, six touchdowns, and 17 receptions for 208 yards and another score.

McCullough’s top passing options include Brock Adams (18 receptions, 371 yards, 4 TDs) and Matthew Morris (16 receptions, 366 yards, 6 TDs), giving Wheeler multiple deep threats. The Wildcats are averaging 24 points per game, but their defense has surrendered 34.8 points per contest. Last week, that unit turned in one of its best efforts of the season, recording four sacks and creating consistent backfield pressure.

Sophomore linebacker Bolt Odutola continues to impress, leading the defense with 49 tackles and 7.5 tackles for loss, while Wheeler as a team has totaled 11 sacks on the year.

Keys to the Game

Etowah Eagles

• Contain Wheeler’s Playmakers: Keeping Greg Kendrick in check will be crucial; Etowah’s front seven must limit his rushing lanes and screen opportunities.

• Control the Clock: Sustaining long drives behind Douglass’ dual-threat ability can help keep Wheeler’s offense off the field.

• Pressure McCullough: If the Eagles can collapse the pocket and force quick throws, they can generate turnovers and limit explosive plays.

Wheeler Wildcats

• Keep Douglass in the Pocket: The defense must balance pressure with containment — a disciplined pass rush and an effective spy could prevent Douglass from breaking free.

• Stay Balanced Offensively: Continuing to mix the run and pass will challenge Etowah’s defense and open up opportunities downfield.

• Capitalize on Red Zone Chances: Finishing drives with touchdowns rather than field goals will be vital in what figures to be a close contest.

Pundit's Pick

This matchup features two teams fighting to stay in playoff contention, and both have enough offensive firepower to make this one a high-scoring affair.Both teams have shown flashes of strong offensive balance, and both have defenses capable of big plays — but also vulnerable to momentum swings. Expect this one to be decided late in the fourth quarter.

Prediction: Etowah 4