River Ridge, Allatoona Set for Gritty Showdown

Scouting the Bucs

The Allatoona Buccaneers came up on the short end of a tightly contested matchup last week, but their offense continues to show plenty of firepower. Through two games, the Bucs have scored a combined 72 points, demonstrating balance and big-play ability. The biggest news from last week was the return of senior playmaker Xavier Rucker, who provided an immediate spark after missing time with injury. Rucker finished with 16 rushing yards, 5 receptions for 113 yards, and a touchdown, reminding everyone why he’s one of the most dangerous skill players in the region.

The Buccaneers continue to lean on Ethan Corpus as their primary workhorse. Corpus has been a model of consistency, piling up 293 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns in just two games, giving Allatoona a reliable option to control the tempo. First-year starting quarterback Frank Young has shown poise early in the season, throwing for 260 yards and 2 touchdowns, though he will face one of his biggest defensive tests yet this week.

On defense, linebacker Andrew Ingle (16 tackles) and defensive back Michael Odinjor (15 tackles) have been steady leaders, but the Bucs will need more contributions from the front seven to contain River Ridge’s run game.

Scouting the Knights

The River Ridge Knights are coming off an impressive road win over Denmark, holding the Danes to just 7 points in a dominant defensive effort. The Knights forced three turnovers, with Andrew Rowe picking off two passes to set the tone. River Ridge also welcomed back running back Camden Cox, who wasted no time making an impact, rushing for 103 yards and a touchdown in his season debut. Micah Pugh added 29 tough yards, helping to keep the chains moving.

At quarterback, Hunter Lockerman continued his efficient start, throwing his second touchdown of the season on a 50-yard strike to Eli Bolden, and he’s now at 306 passing yards, 2 TDs, and zero interceptions on the year. Sam Vincent, (6 receptions, 108 yards) and Boldin (4 reception 116 yards, 1-TD) have been the focal point of the passing game.

Pundit's Pick

This week’s matchup will feature two physical defenses looking to slow down dangerous offensive weapons. River Ridge must find a way to limit Xavier Rucker’s versatility as both a runner and receiver, while Allatoona will try to bottle up Cox and force Lockerman to make plays through the air. Both teams are well-coached and fundamentally sound, which could make points hard to come by.

Special teams could be the X-factor. The Knights have shown a knack for capitalizing on momentum plays, and in what looks like a low-scoring, grind-it-out affair, one big return or blocked kick might decide it. Expect a hard-hitting, field-position battle that stays close deep into the fourth quarter.

Prediction: River Ridge by 3 — Knights make a late special teams play to seal it.