Knights Face Daunting Challenge Against High-Scoring Longhorns

Scouting the Knights

The River Ridge Knights came up short on the road last week but return home as they continue their search for their first win of the season. The Knights are averaging 15.8 points per game while allowing 42.7 points per contest. River Ridge continues to be led by a pair of seniors on either side of the football, with quarterback Hunter Lockerman leading the offense and Andrew Rowe anchoring the defense.

Through the first six games, Lockerman has accounted for more than 1,180 yards of total offense and 10 touchdowns. Sam Paul has chipped in 208 yards during that span. In the passing game, Hudson McKoy has caught 16 passes for 279 yards and a touchdown, while senior Barrentine Quinn ranks second on the team with 15 receptions for 130 yards and two touchdowns.

Scouting the Longhorns

The Kell Longhorns got back to their winning ways with an impressive victory over Woodstock last week. The Longhorns found plenty of success through the air as Boston Pierce threw for 345 yards and five touchdowns in the victory. Nemo Watson hauled in five passes for 101 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Pierce has thrown for 2,350 yards and 20 touchdowns this season. Watson has caught 23 passes for 343 yards, while Brock Burrus has emerged as the team's leading receiver with 34 receptions for 938 yards and 10 touchdowns. Donte Grant has added 31 catches for 503 yards and four touchdowns.

The Longhorns have employed a running-back-by-committee approach this season, with 11 different players carrying the football. Moonie Gipson leads the way with 449 yards and seven touchdowns. Kell is averaging 304.6 yards per game through the air and 194.5 yards per game on the ground, making the Longhorns one of the more balanced offensive teams in the area.

Keys to the Game

River Ridge

• Force turnovers and turn them into points. The Knights will need extra possessions and scoring opportunities to keep pace with Kell's explosive offense.

• Find a way to pressure Boston Pierce. Disrupting his rhythm and limiting his time in the pocket will be critical against a talented receiving corps.

• Establish some consistency offensively. Hunter Lockerman and the Knights need to sustain drives and keep Kell's offense on the sideline.

  
  

Kell

• Attack through the air. Boston Pierce has thrown for 2,350 yards and 20 touchdowns, and the Longhorns should look to take advantage of River Ridge's young secondary.

• Continue spreading the football around. Brock Burrus, Donte Grant and Nemo Watson give Pierce several dangerous options in the passing game.

• Avoid costly mistakes. Kell has a significant offensive advantage, but protecting the football and staying disciplined will be important.

Pundit's Pick

The Knights will have their hands full Friday night against a Kell team that has been explosive offensively all season. If River Ridge is going to pull off the upset, it will need to find a way to force a few turnovers and turn those opportunities into points.

Meanwhile, expect Kell to test the young Knights secondary with its talented group of receivers. The Longhorns have shown they can move the football both through the air and on the ground, giving them multiple ways to attack. We believe Kell's offensive firepower will be too much for River Ridge to handle.

Prediction: Kell by 35.