Grizzlies face early season road test as they travel to Calhoun to tussle with the defending AAA Champs

Scouting the Grizzlies

The Creekview Grizzlies will look to return to the postseason in 2025 after narrowly missing out on back-to-back playoff appearances last fall. The Grizzlies got off to a fast start in 2024, winning four of their first five games, but stumbled down the stretch with a 1–4 finish.

This season, Creekview turns the reins over to Alex Penrod at quarterback. Penrod, who saw action at receiver last year, will now have the chance to showcase his playmaking ability under center following the graduation of Austin Guest. The Grizzlies also return senior running back Mason Munn, who has racked up 1,339 career rushing yards—including 652 yards as a junior. He’ll be joined in the backfield by junior Travis Vines, giving Creekview a potent one-two punch on the ground. Up front, Ryan Sullivan, an All-Region selection in 2024, will anchor the offensive line.

Keep an eye on tight end Derek Mizysak, who is poised for a breakout season after his promising sophomore year was cut short by injury. Now healthy, Mizysak could become an electric weapon for the Grizzlies’ offense.

On defense, Creekview’s secondary should be a strength with J.D. Russell, Hayden Hanson, and Austin Penrod patrolling the skies. Last season, the Grizzlies averaged a healthy 28 points per game while allowing just over 23.

Scouting the Jackets

The Calhoun Yellow Jackets opened the 2024 season slowly, dropping three of their first four games. But once they found their rhythm, they were unstoppable—rattling off 11 straight wins and capping the run with a State Title victory over Jefferson in the Class 3A championship.

The Jackets’ offense will once again be led by sophomore quarterback Trace Hawkins, who delivered on a sensational freshman campaign. Hawkins threw for 2,079 yards and 23 touchdowns against just one interception, completing an impressive 68% of his passes. He also added 352 rushing yards and five scores on the ground.

Hawkins won’t be the only young star in the backfield. Running back Isiah Nalls, another freshman standout in 2024, returns after earning first-team All-Region honors. Nalls rushed for 781 yards and three touchdowns while adding 17 receptions for 110 yards and another score. Up front, veterans Trip Steele and Trey Perkins will anchor an offensive line built to keep the Jackets’ attack humming.

Defensively, Calhoun has the pieces to keep its title hopes alive. Sager Quinn and Alec Upshaw bring the kind of disruptive presence that can make Friday nights miserable for opposing quarterbacks and offensive lines.

Pundit's Pick

Creekview stunned Calhoun last season in a game that stretched into the early hours of Saturday morning after a long weather delay. You can bet Calhoun has this matchup circled on their calendar.

For Creekview, the key will be winning at the line of scrimmage and getting running backs Mason Munn and Travis Vines rolling downhill. Don’t be surprised if new quarterback Alex Penrod shows he’s a playmaker as well.

For Calhoun, a fast start will be critical—something they struggled to achieve in last year's matchup. With Trace Hawkins and Isiah Nalls leading the way, we expect the Yellow Jackets to pick up right where they left off last season.

Prediction: Jackets by 11.