Etowah Looks to Keep Rolling Against Wildcats

Scouting the Eagles

The Etowah Eagles come out of the break looking to extend their momentum from their first two region games as they host Wheeler on Friday night. The Eagles are averaging 372.2 yards per game and 37.4 points per game.

Dual-threat quarterback Zeke Douglass has thrown for 848 yards and seven touchdowns while adding 327 yards and six touchdowns on the ground. His top receivers have been Walker Hughes (24 receptions, 327 yards, two touchdowns) and Nick Pacini (11 receptions, 230 yards, three touchdowns), who lead a group of eight receivers who have caught passes this season.

Meanwhile, Kingston Ceaser continues his breakout season, rushing for 417 yards and nine touchdowns while averaging an astonishing 9.1 yards per carry.

Defensively, the Eagles are allowing 27 points per game. They have sacked opposing quarterbacks six times and forced eight turnovers.

Shamarion McClaurin leads the team with 41 total tackles, four tackles for loss and two sacks. Ben Gebhardt (27 total tackles), Bryson Graves (23 total tackles, one tackle for loss), Reggie Bruell (23 tackles, one tackle for loss) and Donovan Pollard (21 total tackles, four tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks) have also helped pace the Eagles defense.

Scouting the Wildcats

The Wheeler Wildcats have had a rough go of it this season as they remain in search of their first win. The Wildcats have been able to generate offense, averaging 150.3 yards per game through the air and 183.8 yards per game on the ground. However, they are averaging just 12.7 points per game.

Quarterback Patrick McCullough has thrown for 568 yards and one touchdown. His top receivers have been Matthew Morris (13 receptions, 208 yards), Anthony Outlaw (nine receptions, 75 yards) and J.R. Pearse (seven receptions, 96 yards, one touchdown).

The ground game has been powered by Javon Mangum, who has 81 carries for 453 yards and two touchdowns, and Semaj Wiles, who has 33 carries for 170 yards and a touchdown.

The Wildcats defense is allowing 48.2 points per game. They have sacked opposing quarterbacks three times and have not forced a turnover this season.

Charon Darby (15 total tackles), Anthony Naylor (14 total tackles) and Jayden Toney (12 total tackles, three tackles for loss) are among the statistical leaders for the defense.

Keys to the Game

Etowah

• Continue to take advantage of Douglass' dual-threat ability.

• Establish the ground game behind Ceaser.

• Protect the football and capitalize on Wheeler's defensive struggles.

• Get pressure on McCullough and force the Wildcats into difficult situations.

Wheeler

• Get off to a fast start offensively.

• Turn its yardage into points.

• Find a way to slow down Etowah's rushing attack.

• Create turnovers and give the offense extra possessions.

Pundit's Pick

Zeke Douglass has been red-hot over the last two games, and if he can continue his efficiency passing the ball, the Eagles should find success against Wheeler. We also anticipate another big game on the ground for Kingston Ceaser. Wheeler has struggled to get points on the board this season, so it will be imperative for the Wildcats to get off to a fast start. We just don't believe they can keep pace with the Eagles this week.

We like Etowah by four touchdowns.