Grizzlies Look to Keep Rolling on the Road Against the Knights

Scouting the Knights

The River Ridge Knights are still searching for their first win of the season, as injuries at key positions have made for a challenging campaign. Through the season, the Knights are averaging 16.6 points per game while allowing 47.3.

River Ridge got a pair of long rushing touchdowns from quarterback Hunter Lockerman in its last outing, but the Knights struggled against Lassiter otherwise. Lockerman has been the team's most important offensive weapon, leading River Ridge in both rushing and passing.

The Knights will need more production through the air to take some of the pressure off Lockerman and keep Creekview's defense from focusing on the ground game. Against a Grizzlies squad that has been strong defensively, River Ridge will need to find ways to sustain drives and put points on the board.

Scouting the Grizzlies

The Creekview Grizzlies found themselves in a rock fight with the Woodstock Wolverines last week but managed to salt the game away behind their ground game. Creekview is averaging 27 points per game this season and has established a clear offensive identity built around its rushing attack.

In its last outing, the Grizzlies rushed for 226 yards. On the season, they are averaging 230.8 yards per game on the ground. Carson Lott leads the way with 832 yards and nine touchdowns while averaging 7.1 yards per carry. Quarterback Landon Barnes has added 193 rushing yards and five touchdowns, while Jax Howard (181 yards, 2 touchdowns) and Elijah Kawa (129 yards) provide additional depth in the backfield.

Defensively, Creekview has been impressive, allowing just 16.1 points per game. The Grizzlies have also recorded 9.5 sacks and forced five turnovers this season.

With a productive rushing attack and a defense that continues to limit opponents, Creekview has the tools to control the game against River Ridge.

Keys to the Game

River Ridge

• Find more consistency through the air to complement Lockerman's running ability.

• Limit turnovers and sustain drives against a tough Creekview defense.

• Slow down Lott and keep the Grizzlies from controlling the clock.

• Avoid giving up explosive plays and make Creekview earn its points.

Creekview

• Control the line of scrimmage and establish the ground game early.

• Continue feeding Carson Lott while using Barnes and the other backs to keep the defense guessing.

• Pressure Lockerman and force River Ridge into predictable passing situations.

• Protect the football and take advantage of scoring opportunities.

Pundit's Pick

The recipe for Creekview is simple: control the line of scrimmage on offense and ride the shoulders of Carson Lott and the rest of the Grizzlies' ground game. With more than 230 rushing yards per game and a defense allowing just 16.1 points per contest, Creekview has been effective on both sides of the ball.

River Ridge, meanwhile, must find a way to generate more offense through the air to keep the Knights from becoming one-dimensional. Lockerman's ability to make plays with his legs gives the Knights a weapon, but they will need more consistent production to challenge the Grizzlies. Creekview appears to be clicking on all cylinders right now, and the matchup favors the Grizzlies' physical style of play.

Prediction: Creekview by 16.