Knights leaning on Offensive Line, Ground Game as they travel to upset minded Riverwood

Scouting The Raiders

The Riverwood Raiders enter this matchup searching for their first region victory, coming off a four-game losing streak. Averaging just 12.8 points per game and allowing 32 points on defense, the Raiders will need a strong start from quarterback A.J. Rahal to keep them competitive. Rahal’s top target is Zach Stair, a game-breaking receiver who can turn short passes into explosive gains. On the ground, Noah Myers is expected to shoulder the bulk of the rushing load as the team’s leading ball-carrier.

Defensively, Lawrence Levine anchors the unit with 66 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, a sack, and 3 interceptions. The Raiders have forced seven turnovers and recorded six sacks this season, giving them a chance to swing momentum if they can make big plays.

Scouting the Knights

River Ridge comes into the game riding a wave of confidence after one of their biggest wins in recent memory, a victory over Sequoyah that helped cement a logjam at the top of the region standings. The Knights have relied on the ground game offensively, averaging 191.5 rushing yards and 127.2 passing yards per game.

Their ground game has been powered by Camden Cox (561 yards, 5 TDs) and Micah Pugh (369 yards, 2 TDs), while quarterback Hunter Lockerman has thrown for 763 yards and 5 touchdowns. Sam Vincent (16 receptions, 192 yards, 1 TD) and Arden Redmond (9 receptions, 249 yards, 3 TDs) provide the big-play threat in the passing game. The offensive line, led by Tomas Perez and Gabriel Belback, has paved the way for over 1,149 rushing yards, giving River Ridge a significant advantage up front.

Defensively, the Knights have been stingy, allowing just 15.1 points per game. Matthew Burdette and Wyatt McCartylead the team with 64 tackles each, while Harris Deriso has 5 sacks and Andrew Rowe leads the secondary with 4 interceptions.

Keys to the Game

For Riverwood:

• Explosive Plays Early: Rahal and Stair need to create momentum quickly to stay in the game.

• Force Turnovers: With River Ridge’s balanced attack, a takeaway could swing the second half.

• Run the Football: Myers must establish the ground game to control tempo and keep the Knights off the field.

For River Ridge:

• Win the Trenches: The offensive line must dominate to allow Cox and Pugh to wear down Riverwood’s defense.

• Protect the Football: Avoid turnovers that could give Riverwood a chance to stay in the game.

• Stay Disciplined on Defense: Contain Rahal and limit big plays from Stair to prevent an upset.

Pundit's Pick

While Riverwood has the talent to make things interesting, River Ridge’s balanced offense and dominant offensive line should be the difference. The Knights will look to control the line of scrimmage and methodically pull away in the second half.

Prediction: River Ridge by 29