Knights and Wolverines Collide in Region Opener With Fireworks Ahead

Scouting the Wolverines

The Woodstock Wolverines enter region play riding a two-game win streak, fueled by one of the more balanced offenses in Cherokee County. Woodstock is averaging 218.3 yards per game through the air and another 200 yards per game on the ground, making them difficult to defend.

The engine of the attack is quarterback Graham Burmeister, who has been dangerous as both a passer and a runner. Burmeister has rushed for 256 yards and 2 touchdowns, while throwing for 638 yards and 8 scores on a sharp 66% completion rate. Junior running back Xavier Murphy has emerged as a solid complement in the ground game, adding 217 yards and a touchdown. Through the air, wide receiver Ryland Hubbard has become Burmeister’s go-to target, catching 22 passes for 279 yards and 3 touchdowns, while Adrian Holliday provides another reliable option with 11 receptions for 124 yards and 2 scores. Woodstock’s offense has been rolling, scoring 31 points or more in every game this season.

Defensively, the Wolverines rely on safeties Danny Palmese (16 tackles) and Tyler Barbera (11 tackles) to anchor the middle of the field, while defensive linemen Jaxon Foster and Connor McCarthy have combined for eight tackles for loss, consistently disrupting opposing backfields.

Scouitng the Knights

Across the field, the River Ridge Knights are off to a 3–0 start, powered by a punishing rushing attack. Running back Cam Cox has been a workhorse, racking up 201 yards last week and now totaling 304 yards and a touchdown in just two games. Though Micah Pugh didn’t record a carry against Allatoona, he remains second on the team with 193 rushing yards and a score.

At quarterback, Hunter Lockerman has provided steady leadership, throwing for 424 yards and 2 touchdowns while completing 60% of his passes. His top targets have been Sam Vincent (9 catches, 140 yards) and Eli Bolden (5 catches, 131 yards, 1 touchdown), who give the Knights a reliable downfield presence. On defense, Matthew Burdette (29 tackles) and Wyatt McCarty (28 tackles) have been tackling machines, while Harris Deriso and Bryce McFarland anchor the front with six tackles for loss each.

Pundit's Pick

River Ridge has faced the tougher pre-region schedule, but this Woodstock squad is much improved from last year—confident, balanced, and capable of striking through the air or on the ground. Still, the Wolverines will see their toughest defensive challenge since Week 1, and slowing down River Ridge’s rushing attack is easier said than done. Don’t expect a blowout, but we think another big play by the Knights special teams will factor in to the results this week.

Prediction: River Ridge by 7,