Panthers Explosive Offense Faces Grizzlies Physical Defense in First Round Playoff Tilt

Scouting the Panthers

The Jackson County Panthers captured their second consecutive region title and have now gone a perfect 13-0 in region play over the last two seasons. The Panthers are averaging 45.9 points per game, with 177.8 yards per game through the air and 247.7 yards per game on the ground.

Quarterback Ben Musser has thrown for 1,679 yards and 24 touchdowns. Musser is completing 67.2% of his passes and has thrown just three interceptions in 122 attempts. The ground game is led by Daylan Maxwell, who has rushed for 1,476 yards on 188 carries and 20 touchdowns. Musser has also been a major contributor in the running game, adding 697 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Noah Norwood (19 receptions, 555 yards, 12 TDs), Mason Allen (23 receptions, 303 yards, 2 TDs) and Landon Jones (19 receptions, 387 yards, 5 TDs) lead the Panthers' receiving corps.

Defensively, linebacker Noah Bade leads the team with 103 total tackles, including a team-high six tackles for loss, and has also intercepted two passes. Jayson Lee and Maher Magness have contributed 75 and 69 tackles, respectively. Tyler Mobbs leads the team with four interceptions and has added 61 total tackles.

Overall, Jackson County is allowing just 14.8 points per game. The Panthers have recorded 17 sacks and forced 16 turnovers, including 12 interceptions.

Scouting the Grizzlies

The Creekview Grizzlies are back in the postseason for the second consecutive season. Creekview is averaging 23.2 points per game, with 81.9 yards per game through the air and 209.6 yards per game on the ground.

The ground game is powered by Carson Lott, who has rushed for 1,173 yards and 13 touchdowns. Jax Howard has chipped in 323 yards and three touchdowns. Quarterback Landon Barnes has thrown for 784 yards while adding 311 yards on the ground and accounting for 13 total touchdowns.

The Grizzlies' offensive line has paved the way for 2,096 rushing yards this season. Ryan Sullivan, Wyatt Hill, Bryant Kealhoffer, Jack Wright and Colton Champagne deserve plenty of credit for setting the tone up front and establishing Creekview's physical identity.

Defensively, the Grizzlies are allowing 16.3 points per game. Landon Parker (74 total tackles, 13 TFLs, 2 sacks), J.D. Russell (65 total tackles, 1 INT), Tru Daniel (51 total tackles, 7 TFLs, 3.5 sacks) and Jackson Tyson (47 total tackles, 8.5 TFLs, 2 sacks) lead the team in tackles. Creekview has recorded 14.5 sacks and forced nine turnovers this season.

Keys to the Game

Jackson County

• Continue to establish Daylan Maxwell and the ground game to control the line of scrimmage and dictate the tempo.

• Challenge the Creekview secondary with Ben Musser and the Panthers' talented group of receivers.

• Limit Creekview's ability to establish its physical rushing attack and force the Grizzlies into passing situations.

• Take advantage of scoring opportunities and avoid giving Creekview extra possessions.

  
  

Creekview

• Use the physical offensive line to establish the ground game and wear down the Jackson County defense.

• Win the battle up front and keep the Panthers' defensive front from disrupting the running game.

• Get pressure on Musser with the linebackers and make him uncomfortable when Jackson County drops back to pass.

• Convert scoring opportunities and keep pace with a Jackson County offense that has been difficult to slow down.

Pundit's Pick

Jackson County has dominated its opposition since entering region play, outscoring region opponents 362-77. The key for the Panthers will be continuing to establish Maxwell and the running game. We believe the team that runs the football more effectively on Friday night will have the upper hand. While the running game will be important, we also expect the Panthers to challenge the Creekview secondary.

For Creekview, the recipe is relatively simple: use its physical offensive line to wear down Jackson County and make the most of its scoring opportunities. The Grizzlies will need their linebackers to play an important role in getting pressure on Musser when the Panthers turn to the passing game.

Jackson County has beaten all comers handily over the last seven weeks, but we're not sure the Panthers have faced a team as physical as Creekview. Playing at home will certainly give Jackson County an advantage, and we expect the Panthers to find a way to continue their impressive run.

Prediction: Jackson County by 18 points.