Grizzlies Look to Upend Chief's Dominance in Rivalry Matchup

Scouting the Grizzlies

The Creekview Grizzlies will look to close out their regular season with a win before heading into the postseason. The Grizzlies will also look to break a four-game losing streak in the series against Sequoyah.

On the year, the Grizzlies are averaging 89.6 yards per game through the air, but the ground game has been their calling card. Creekview has rushed for 1,992 yards on the season, averaging 221.3 yards per game. Running back Carson Lottcontinues to lead the way with 1,102 yards and 13 touchdowns. Quarterback Landon Barnes has added 311 yards on the ground and six touchdowns while also throwing for 784 yards and seven touchdowns.

Zach Reis (25 receptions, 362 yards, 3 touchdowns) has been the go-to receiver for the Grizzlies, while Braxton Carnes (9 receptions, 55 yards), Caleb Barkwell (7 receptions, 132 yards, 1 touchdown) and Derek Mizysak (7 receptions, 115 yards, 1 touchdown) have provided additional depth at receiver.

Defensively, the Grizzlies are allowing just 14.3 points per game. Landon Parker is having a banner year, leading the team with 74 total tackles and 13 tackles for loss. JD Russell (65 tackles, 1 interception), Tru Daniel (51 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks), Jackson Tyson (47 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks) and Hudson Stanley (41 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 2 sacks) have also been key contributors. The Grizzlies have recorded 12.5 sacks and forced nine turnovers this season.

Scouting the Chiefs

The Sequoyah Chiefs continued to roll through region competition with a dominating performance over Woodstock on Friday night. The Chiefs are averaging 47.2 points per game and have scored more than 60 points twice this season. Sequoyah is averaging 204 yards per game on the ground and 203 yards per game through the air.

Quarterback Nolan Shakar has thrown for 1,620 yards and 20 touchdowns. Duke Sanders (26 receptions, 638 yards, 9 touchdowns) and Robert Van Alstyne (37 receptions, 576 yards, 5 touchdowns) lead the team in receiving. The ground game is led by Trace Washington, who has rushed for 861 yards on 89 carries with 13 touchdowns. Joseph Lucente has added 253 yards and three touchdowns. Special teams have also been productive, as Lief Hanson has made 45 of 48 extra points and is 6 of 8 on field goals, including a long of 49 yards.

Defensively, Sequoyah is allowing just 11.2 points per game. Drew Williams leads the team with 112 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, three sacks and two forced fumbles. Brady Streeter has recorded 97 total tackles, a team-high 18 tackles for loss and three sacks. Washington leads the team with five sacks and has also forced two fumbles.

The real story continues to be the Sequoyah secondary, which intercepted another pass last week and returned it for a touchdown. The Chiefs have now intercepted 14 passes this season and returned eight of them for touchdowns.

Keys to the Game

Creekview

• Establish the ground game: Carson Lott and Landon Barnes need to find running room and keep the Sequoyah offense on the sideline.

• Win the battle up front: The offensive line must handle Sequoyah's aggressive defensive front and prevent the Chiefs from consistently disrupting the running game.

• Limit explosive plays: Creekview must contain Trace Washington and avoid allowing the Chiefs to generate big plays on the ground.

• Protect the football: The Grizzlies cannot afford to give Sequoyah's opportunistic secondary extra chances to create turnovers.

Sequoyah

• Slow down Carson Lott: The Chiefs need to make Creekview one-dimensional by limiting its most productive offensive weapon.

• Stay balanced offensively: Nolan Shakar and Trace Washington need to keep the Creekview defense guessing with a combination of effective running and passing.

• Take advantage of the matchups: Duke Sanders and Robert Van Alstyne need to create opportunities in the passing game and stretch the Creekview secondary.

• Continue making plays defensively: Sequoyah's defense needs to remain aggressive, pressure the quarterback and take advantage of opportunities to create turnovers.

Pundit's Pick

In order to pull the upset this week, the Grizzlies will have to lean heavily on their ground game. Fortunately for Creekview, that is their strength. If they can run the football effectively and shorten the game, they can put pressure on Sequoyah and keep the Chiefs' high-powered offense on the sideline. However, expect Sequoyah to use plenty of run blitzes in an effort to slow down Carson Lott and force Creekview to make plays through the air.

Meanwhile, the Grizzlies will have their hands full trying to slow down the Chiefs' ground game, led by Trace Washington. Creekview will also have to account for its former teammate, Robert Van Alstyne, who is having a breakout season at receiver for the Chiefs alongside Duke Sanders. With Nolan Shakar directing the offense, Sequoyah has plenty of weapons capable of making opposing defenses pay.

We expect the Grizzlies to keep this rivalry game competitive through the first half, but Sequoyah's offensive balance and defensive playmaking ability should allow the Chiefs to take control in the second half.

Prediction: Sequoyah by 17.