Grizzlies Face Challenging Home Opening Test Against High-Flying Bears

Scouting the Grizzlies

The Creekview Grizzlies return home Friday night for their season opener after two straight weeks on the road. The Grizzlies are still searching for consistency on offense after being shut out in a defensive slugfest against North Forsyth. Running backs Travis Vines and Carson Lott continue to power the Creekview ground game. Vines leads the team with 111 rushing yards, averaging an impressive 6.2 yards per carry, but turnovers have plagued the Grizzlies and stalled promising drives.

Sophomore quarterback Landon Barnes made his first varsity start last week with senior Alex Penrod sidelined by injury. Barnes showed flashes of his potential — on the season he's completed 10 of 20 passes for 97 yards after going 2-for-3 in limited duty in Week 1. His live arm gives Creekview a clear sign of a bright future, but he’ll face growing pains against aggressive defenses. If given time, Barnes has the ability to connect with receivers like Austin Penrod and Jackson Shirley to stretch the field.

Defensively, Creekview has been the team’s backbone. The Grizzlies forced a turnover and largely contained North Forsyth last week, save for a couple explosive plays. Their secondary — led by Hayden Hansen, Austin Penrod, and J.D. Russell — has been a particular strength, but it faces its toughest test yet against Cambridge’s high-octane passing attack. Linebackers Mason Munn and Brayden Kimber will be critical in helping the front seven slow down the Bears’ balanced attack.

Scouting the Bears

The Cambridge Bears, meanwhile, have looked unstoppable through two weeks, outscoring opponents 101–0. They’re averaging 372 yards of total offense per game — 206 through the air and 166 on the ground — and first-year starting quarterback Connor Langford has been ruthlessly efficient, completing 11 of 12 passes for 249 yards in limited action.

Running back Brooks Malone has provided balance with 225 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns, while receiver Craig Dandridge, a UGA commit, remains the Bears’ top playmaker. Dandridge has 4 catches for 155 yards and 2 TDs, showcasing his big-play ability every time he touches the ball. Andrew Marsden has been equally dangerous, hauling in 3 receptions for 107 yards — all of them touchdowns.

Defensively, Cambridge has been just as dominant, recording 5 sacks and 2 interceptions in two games. Their ability to pressure quarterbacks and close down running lanes has forced opponents into mistakes early and often.

Pundit's Pick

For Creekview to pull the upset, they’ll need to protect Barnes, sustain long drives, and win the turnover battle. Establishing Vines and Lott on the ground will be key to keeping Cambridge’s defense honest. On the other side, Creekview’s linebackers and secondary must limit explosive plays from Dandridge and Marsden while bottling up Malone between the tackles.

Since I’ll be working as the public address announcer for this game, I won’t make a prediction — but on paper, this matchup pits Creekview’s defensive grit against another balanced and explosive offenses.