River Ridge Aims to End Skid, Spoil Lassiter’s Home Finale

Scouting the Trojans

The Lassiter Trojans will wrap up their season at home this week, looking to finish strong after their playoff hopes were dashed in last week’s loss to Sprayberry. Despite falling short of the postseason, the Trojans have shown steady growth this year under the direction of head coach Sean Thom, fielding one of the more productive offenses in the region.

Lassiter is averaging 30.1 points per game while allowing 24.7. Senior quarterback Mitch Seaman has been the offensive leader, throwing for 1,611 yards and 14 touchdowns while completing 64.2% of his passes. Seaman has also proven dangerous on the ground, rushing for 420 yards and six scores. His favorite target, Collins Price, has been consistent all season with 51 receptions for 810 yards and eight touchdowns. Dalton Price and Bryce Kitzrow have added another dimension to the passing attack, combining for 33 catches, 484 yards, and four scores, while freshman running back Drew McGee leads the team with 409 rushing yards and nine touchdowns.

On defense, Reid Ashmoreand Chase Jones pace the Trojans with 18 tackles apiece.

Scouting the Knights

River Ridge also saw its five-year playoff streak come to an end last week after a tough loss to Creekview. The Knights struggled to move the ball, managing just 70 rushing yards—a rarity for a team that’s built its identity around the ground game. For the season, River Ridge has rushed for 1,548 yards and 15 touchdowns, led by Camden Cox with 794 yards and seven scores. Starting quarterback Hunter Lockerman has missed time with an injury, but when healthy, he’s thrown for 847 yards and six touchdowns in eight games. In his absence, Andrew Rowe has stepped in, throwing for 127 yards and two scores.

Defensively, River Ridge has remained solid, allowing just 15.5 points per game. Linebackers Matthew Burdette (96 tackles) and Wyatt McCarty (92 tackles) have been tackling machines, while Harris Deriso has wreaked havoc up front with 15 tackles for loss and seven sacks. The secondary has also been opportunistic, with Rowe and Sam Vincent combining for seven interceptions.

Keys to the Game

For Lassiter:

• Let Seaman Cook: The Trojans’ offense runs through their senior quarterback — he’ll need a big game both through the air and on the ground.

• Protect the Pocket: River Ridge’s front seven can be disruptive; Lassiter’s offensive line must limit negative plays and sacks.

• Contain the Run: The Trojans’ defense must find a way to slow down Cox and the Knights’ rushing attack to stay in control.

For River Ridge:

• Run the Ball, Set the Tone: Getting Cox going early is key. If the Knights can re-establish their ground game, they’ll control the clock and tempo.

• Pressure Seaman: The Knights’ defense thrives on disruption. If Deriso and company can get consistent pressure, it could tilt the game.

• Finish Strong: With both teams out of playoff contention, discipline and execution will determine who ends the season on a high note.

Pundit's Pick

Both teams are eager to end their season on a positive note. Lassiter’s high-flying offense will challenge River Ridge’s stingy defense, while the Knights will try to impose their will on the ground. Expect a back-and-forth contest, but River Ridge’s physicality and special teaams might be the difference.

Prediction: River Ridge by 11.