Knights Look to Bounce Back in Rivalry Clash With Eagles

Scouting the Knights

The River Ridge Knights had trouble getting things going on Friday night against Sprayberry. For one half, the Knights kept the game close, but the wheels came off the bus in the second half as Sprayberry scored a barrage of points to put the game out of reach.

The Knights will have to find a way to turn things around quickly. Quarterback Hunter Lockerman threw for 224 yards and a touchdown in the loss, with Andrew Rowe on the receiving end of Lockerman's scoring pass. Rowe has proven to be a big-play threat on both sides of the football. He also showed his prowess on special teams, displaying impressive vision and speed as a kickoff returner.

River Ridge's defense will need some of its younger players to step up as the Knights search for their first victory. Expect Rowe to continue to be a leader in the secondary while the young Knights grow up week to week.

Scouting the Eagles

The Etowah Eagles picked off their neighborhood rival last week in an instant classic. Dual-threat quarterback Zeke Douglass was a difference-maker on both sides of the football, throwing for 143 yards, rushing for 122 yards and accounting for four touchdowns. Douglass also recorded the game-sealing interception after playing some safety on defense Friday night.

Kingston Ceaser added some balance to the Eagles' offense, rushing for 72 yards on 10 carries. Walker Hughes led Etowah in receiving with four catches for 35 yards, while Nick Pacini scored the go-ahead touchdown and caught three passes for 55 yards.

The Eagles' defense forced four turnovers on the night. Dylan Johnson led the defense with 10 total tackles, while sophomore Carter Dewitt chipped in eight tackles.

Etowah showed plenty of toughness in Week 1, and the Eagles will look to carry that momentum into another rivalry matchup.

Keys to the Game

River Ridge Knights

• Find some offensive balance: The Knights need to establish the run while taking advantage of Hunter Lockerman's ability to make plays with his legs.

• Get Rowe involved: Andrew Rowe is a threat every time he touches the football and should be a focal point of the game plan.

• Young defenders must step up: River Ridge needs its younger defensive players to grow up quickly against Etowah's physical offense.

• Win the turnover battle: The Knights cannot afford to give the Eagles extra possessions after Etowah forced four turnovers last week.

Etowah Eagles

• Let Douglass make plays: Zeke Douglass is the engine that drives this offense, and Etowah should continue to utilize his dual-threat ability.

• Establish Ceaser: Kingston Ceaser provides an important balance to the Eagles' offense.

• Protect the football: Etowah forced four turnovers last week, but the Eagles need to make sure they don't give River Ridge similar opportunities.

• Wear down the front seven: Etowah needs to stay physical and test the Knights' defense throughout the game.

Pundit's Pick

River Ridge has dominated this series as of late, and while we don't like to talk injuries, if Micah Pugh cannot go, we believe it seriously hurts the Knights' chances of being efficient in the ground attack. Hunter Lockerman might have to showcase some of his dual-threat capabilities.

Meanwhile, Etowah will need to continue to take care of the football and wear down the River Ridge front seven. We expect the Knights' offense to get some things figured out this week, but we believe Etowah will prevail on the legs of Zeke Douglass and Kingston Ceaser.

Prediction: Etowah by 6