Grizzlies Look to Extend Win Streak Against the Yellow Jackets

Scouting the Grizzlies

The Creekview Grizzlies return from their bye week riding a three-game winning streak and firmly in the mix at the top of the region standings. Last time out, the Grizzlies rallied to defeat Woodstock behind a breakout performance from quarterback Alex Penrod. The junior signal-caller had his best passing game of the season, going 12-of-17 for 187 yards and 3 touchdowns. For the year, Penrod has been efficient, completing 68.6% of his passes for 468 yards, 7 touchdowns, and just one interception. His top target has been Jackson Shirley, who has emerged as a reliable playmaker with 17 catches for 329 yards and 4 scores.

While the passing game continues to progress, Creekview’s foundation remains its ground attack. The Grizzlies average 182.5 rushing yards per game, led by Carson Lott (472 yards, 3 TDs) and Penrod himself (289 yards, 4 TDs). As a team, Creekview has churned out 1,095 rushing yards and will lean on that physicality once again this week.

Defensively, the Grizzlies are giving up 21.8 points per game. Carden Cundy leads the pass rush with 2.5 sacks, while ballhawk J.D. Russell has three interceptions to spark a unit that has forced seven turnovers this season.

Scouting the Yellow Jackets

The Sprayberry Yellow Jackets, meanwhile, are every bit as dangerous and enter tied in the four-way logjam for second in the region. Sprayberry’s last outing was a dominant ground performance, racking up 354 rushing yards. On the season, they average 251 yards per game on the ground and 175.2 through the air, making them one of the most potent offenses in the region. Dual-threat quarterback Jaden Duckett is the catalyst, throwing for 889 yards and 13 touchdowns while also leading the team in rushing with 322 yards and 2 scores. He’s flanked by playmakers like Jrue Keeling (311 rushing yards, 5 TDs) and standout receivers Jorden Edmonds (369 yards, 7 TDs) and Kobe Lewis (232 yards, 3 TDs), who bring explosiveness to the passing game.

Defensively, Sprayberry has been stout, allowing just 17.8 points per game. Reyzon Bachman (41 tackles) and Gabe Clark (10 tackles for loss, 3 sacks) headline a front seven that has produced 10 sacks and forced 9 turnovers this year. That defense will be tasked with slowing down Creekview’s punishing run game.

Keys to the Game

For Creekview:

• Establish the Run: Lott and Penrod must set the tone on the ground to control time of possession and keep Duckett on the sidelines.

• Limit Duckett’s Scrambling: While he’s dangerous as a runner, Duckett is at his best when extending plays to find receivers. Creekview must contain him in the pocket.

• Capitalize on Turnovers: The Grizzlies defense has shown a knack for takeaways—stealing a possession or two could flip momentum.

For Sprayberry:

• Defend the Ground Game: Forcing Creekview into obvious passing downs is key. Penrod has been efficient, but Creekview is far less comfortable playing from behind the sticks.

• Big-Play Receivers: Edmonds and Lewis have shown the ability to make contested catches. Hitting on a couple of explosive plays could break the game open.

• Pressure Penrod: If Sprayberry can get to him early, they can disrupt Creekview’s balance and force mistakes.

Pundit's Pick

This matchup features two teams who are trending upward, but Sprayberry has the higher ceiling offensively thanks to Duckett’s dual-threat ability and a group of dynamic receivers. Creekview’s physical running game will keep things tight into the second half, but look for the Jackets to land a couple of explosive plays late.

Prediction: Sprayberry by 12