Grizzlies Look to Ground Bulldogs in Season Opener

Scouting the Bulldogs

The Forsyth Central Bulldogs are looking to bounce back in 2026 after going 1-9 during the 2025 campaign. The Bulldogs have revamped portions of their coaching staff, but they will have their work cut out for them as they develop younger talent and replace their starting quarterback, leading rusher, and top receivers.

Forsyth Central's strength should be at the line of scrimmage. Taeden Checketts anchors the group, while Ethan White is poised to become one of the top linemen in Forsyth County. Durham Roach appears ready to take over at quarterback, while 6-foot-3, 218-pound Franklin Omenka could develop into a reliable and physical receiving target.

Defensively, the Bulldogs will look to Omenka and Herley Louis to lead the way. Both have the potential to be disruptive forces and could be key to Forsyth Central's efforts to turn things around this season.

Scouting the Grizzlies

The Creekview Grizzlies will be looking to return to the postseason, but like Forsyth Central, they must replace a significant amount of offensive production. Fortunately for Creekview, they return their leading rusher from a year ago. We expect Carson Lott to pick up where he left off while running behind an offensive line anchored by Ryan Sullivan.

Landon Barnes will take over at quarterback, but this will not be his first rodeo. Barnes started several games due to injury last season, so the Friday night lights will not be entirely new to him. While the receiving corps remains inexperienced, Zach Reis continues to show that he has the ability to emerge as the Grizzlies' No. 1 option.

Defensively, Creekview's strength lies in its secondary. Hayden Hansen, J.D. Russell, and Ben Theroux will be called upon to take away the opposition's air attack and make life difficult for opposing quarterbacks.

Keys to the Game

Forsyth Central

• Find a way to shut down the Creekview ground game and force the Grizzlies into uncomfortable passing situations.

• Lean on the strength of the offensive line to establish the run and take pressure off Durham Roach.

• Get Franklin Omenka involved early and use his size and physicality to create mismatches.

• Look for Omenka and Herley Louis to create disruption on defense.

  
  

Creekview

• Establish Carson Lott and allow the ground game to control the tempo.

• Keep penalties to a minimum, especially on third down, to avoid creating long-yardage situations.

• Give Landon Barnes manageable situations and let his previous starting experience work to the Grizzlies' advantage.

• Find an answer in the front seven and identify who will emerge as a consistent pass-rushing threat.

Pundit's Pick

Forsyth Central will have its work cut out for it on Friday night, and slowing the Creekview ground game will be critical to the Bulldogs' chances. For the Grizzlies, avoiding penalties and staying ahead of the chains could be just as important. The biggest question for Creekview defensively may be who emerges as a consistent pass-rushing threat from the front seven. We believe Creekview has enough offensive firepower to outlast the Bulldogs.

Prediction

Creekview by 11