Etowah Looks to Edge Spartans in Tight Contest

Scouting the Eagles

The Etowah Eagles went toe-to-toe with state-ranked Class 5A Sprayberry last week before falling just short in the fourth quarter. Etowah led late in the game but couldn’t contain the explosive Yellow Jackets down the stretch. Still, the Eagles are showing steady progress under first-year head coach Brett Vavra, particularly on offense, where junior quarterback Zeke Douglass continues to shine as a true dual threat.

Douglass has already thrown for 365 yards and 3 touchdowns while adding 182 yards and 3 scores on the ground, giving defenses fits with his ability to extend plays and pick up chunk yardage. Wide receiver Walker Hughes has emerged as his go-to target in Etowah’s passing attack, hauling in 8 receptions for 177 yards to lead the team.

On defense, the Eagles have been anchored by Oliver Creigh, Reggie Bruell, and Cain Moss, who have consistently racked up tackles, while Cooper Hendrix leads the unit with two sacks through two games. Etowah’s defense has shown resilience, but limiting explosive plays remains a priority as they head into this week’s matchup.

Scouting the Spartans

The Campbell Spartans have started 2-0 for the second consecutive season and are averaging 31.5 points per game, despite losing a few all-region performers to transfer in the offseason. Their offense hasn’t missed a beat thanks to quarterback Davin Lemire, who has thrown for 502 yards and 4 touchdowns while also leading the team in rushing with 134 yards and a score. Lemire’s ability to impact the game with both his arm and his legs makes him a constant threat.

Wide receiver Nick Buggs has been the breakout star for Campbell. Last week, Buggs caught 5 passes for 134 yards and 2 touchdowns and even added a rushing TD. For the season, he’s hauled in 16 receptions for 291 yards and 3 scores, making him one of the Spartan's most dangerous playmakers.

Pundit's Pick

This matchup features two offenses led by quarterbacks who can do it all and receivers who present serious matchup problems. Hughes for Etowah and Buggs for Campbell will test opposing secondaries all night long. Both teams have shown they can move the football in multiple ways, so the game could hinge on turnovers, special teams execution, and which defense can come up with a stop late.

Coach Vavra has Etowah playing inspired football early in the season, and if Douglass continues to play at this level, the Eagles will be tough to beat. Expect a back-and-forth battle with big plays on both sides — but we believe Etowah edges Campbell in the closing moments.

Prediction: Etowah by 1.