Grizzlies Look to Stay On Track Against the Rejuvenated Spartans

Scouting the Grizzlies

The Creekview Grizzlies recorded their first shutout since October of 2022 as they rolled over Forsyth Central last Friday. The Grizzlies got off to a slow start but found pay dirt three times in the third quarter to pull away.

Quarterback Landon Barnes was efficient, completing 6 of 10 passes for 165 yards and a touchdown, while Carson Lottled the way on the ground with 88 yards on 13 carries. Freshman running back Jax Howard also showed up in a big way, carrying the ball five times for 74 yards and a touchdown. The early performance from Howard gives the Grizzlies another weapon in the backfield.

The Creekview defense forced a turnover and recorded two sacks in the victory. Landon Parker and Jackson Tyson are two names we believe folks should get familiar with on that Grizzlies defense, in addition to a talented secondary. Their performance last Friday was a great sign for a team replacing a lot of talent from a year ago.

Scouting the Spartans

The North Springs Spartans matched their win total from a year ago with a big victory over Riverwood in Week 1. The Spartans scored only 64 points all of last season but exploded offensively in their opener, scoring their most points in a game since putting up 50 against Clarkston in 2024.

North Springs got a big night from quarterback Zaire Sykes, who completed 67 percent of his passes for 228 yards and a touchdown. The ground game was paced by junior Daniel Harris, who tallied 112 yards and two touchdowns.

North Springs was about as balanced as you can be in Week 1, throwing for 228 yards and rushing for 229. That type of balance will present a major challenge for the Creekview defense. Defensively, Adonis Timmons picked up where he left off a season ago and led the team with 11 total tackles, while sophomore Ranaan Woods added 10 tackles.

Keys to the Game

Creekview Grizzlies

• Get Lott going: Creekview needs Carson Lott to establish the ground game and keep the Spartans' defense on its heels.

• Avoid a slow start: The Grizzlies cannot afford to take a while to get going against an explosive North Springs offense.

• Win the line of scrimmage: Creekview's ability to control the trenches will be critical on both sides of the ball.

• Make North Springs one-dimensional: The Grizzlies need to take away either the run or the pass and force the Spartans into uncomfortable situations.

North Springs Spartans

• Keep the offense balanced: The Spartans had 228 passing yards and 229 rushing yards last week. More of the same would give them a great chance to win.

• Protect Sykes: Creekview recorded two sacks last week and will look to make life difficult for Zaire Sykes.

• Stop the run: North Springs will have to slow down Carson Lott and the Creekview ground game.

• Create another fast start: An early lead could put pressure on a Creekview team that struggled to get going offensively in Week 1.

Pundit's Pick

North Springs seems to be rejuvenated under first-year head coach Walter Vaughn. Their offensive explosion and balance likely caught Riverwood off guard in Week 1. The Spartans will need more of the same this week if they hope to go 2-0 for the first time since 2017, which was also the last time they made the playoffs.

Creekview will likely use its ground game to slow down the North Springs offense. The Grizzlies got off to a slow start last week, but they can't afford to do that against a team that has already shown some explosiveness. We believe Carson Lott gets going this week, and the Creekview defense does enough to keep the Spartans in check.

Prediction: Creekview by 13