Grizzlies Seek to Regain Momentum Against Wolverines

Scouting the Grizzlies

The Creekview Grizzlies look to get back to their winning ways after a loss to Kell prior to the bye week. The Grizzlies are averaging 231.8 yards per game on the ground and 81.6 yards per game through the air.

Carson Lott leads the ground game with 634 yards and eight touchdowns midway through the season. Jax Howard has complemented the ground game with 155 yards and two touchdowns. Quarterback Landon Barnes has also shown his versatility with 184 yards on the ground. Barnes has also thrown for 408 yards and three touchdowns. Zach Reis has paced the receiving corps with 11 receptions for 174 yards and two touchdowns.

Defensively, Landon Parker (35 total tackles, seven tackles for loss), Tru Daniel (32 total tackles, five tackles for loss) and J.D. Russell (29 total tackles) have helped pace the Grizzlies. Creekview has forced five turnovers and sacked opposing quarterbacks 9.5 times this season.

Scouting the Wolverines

The Woodstock Wolverines are looking to stop their skid this week as they travel to Creekview. The Wolverines are still searching for more continuity as they have been without star quarterback Graham Burmeister for the balance of the last three games. On the season, the Wolverines are averaging 20.2 points per game. Burmeister still leads the team with 437 yards passing, 411 yards rushing and 10 total touchdowns. In his absence, Brady Arnold has thrown for 147 yards.

Ryland Hubbard (17 receptions, 173 yards, one touchdown) and Akin Kier (10 receptions, 187 yards, one touchdown) lead the Wolverine receivers. Xavier Murphy has tallied 255 yards on the ground and three touchdowns. Murphy has also caught eight passes for 114 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Defensively, Caleb Vigna leads the team with 49 total tackles, nine tackles for loss and two sacks. Charlie Baldwin has also tallied 38 total tackles, while Djabril Ba has 36 total tackles, six tackles for loss and a sack. On the season, the Wolverines have sacked opposing quarterbacks eight times and forced seven turnovers.

Keys to the Game

Creekview

• Establish the ground game behind Lott and Howard.

• Protect the football and avoid giving Woodstock extra possessions.

• Pressure the quarterback and create negative plays.

• Get off to a fast start at home.

Woodstock

• Win the turnover battle.

• Find consistency on offense regardless of who takes the snaps.

• Limit Creekview's powerful rushing attack.

• Avoid allowing the Grizzlies to build an early lead.

Pundit's Pick

If Woodstock is going to beat Creekview this week, the Wolverines will have to win the turnover margin. That is an area where they have been snakebit in recent weeks.

The Grizzlies will likely look to establish their ground game behind Carson Lott and Jax Howard. We are not sure of Burmeister's status for the game, but regardless of who is taking snaps, expect the Creekview defense to really look to get after the quarterback.

We believe the Grizzlies get off to a quick start this week and pick up another win at home.

Creekview by 17.