River Ridge Looks for Breakthrough Against Red-Hot Lassiter

Scouting the Knights

The River Ridge Knights are in search of their first win of the season this week after dropping a high-scoring affair with the Pope Greyhounds last week. The story remains the same for the Knights, as they are youthful at several key positions. That youth has been compounded by injuries at key positions, perhaps none more significant than Micah Pugh, who we expected to be one of the top running backs in the county.

The Knights put together their best offensive output of the season prior to the break, scoring 40 points. On the season, River Ridge is averaging 17.2 points per game while the defense is allowing 46.4 points per game. Hunter Lockerman will once again be counted on to lead a young River Ridge offense as the Knights look to find a way to keep pace with a Lassiter offense that has been scoring points in bunches.

Scouting the Trojans

Meanwhile, the Lassiter Trojans are looking to match their five-win total from a year ago as they have once again gotten off to a fast start. The Trojans appear to have turned the corner under coach Sean Thom and have been one of the area's more productive teams this season. Lassiter is averaging 41.4 points per game while allowing just 16.4.

Sophomore quarterback Caden Jones is quickly becoming a star, throwing for 1,147 yards and 14 touchdowns while completing 61 percent of his passes. His top receivers have been the trio of Collins Price (36 receptions, 519 yards, six touchdowns), Dalton Price (17 receptions, 219 yards, two touchdowns) and Bryce Kitzrow (11 receptions, 199 yards, three touchdowns).

The ground game has been paced by Caden Bloom (347 yards, four touchdowns) and Nick Hooten (283 yards, one touchdown). On the season, Lassiter is averaging 230 yards per game through the air and 175.4 yards per game on the ground. The Trojans have sacked opposing quarterbacks 10 times and forced six turnovers. Cole Stewart leads the defense with 26 total tackles and five tackles for loss.

Keys to the Game

River Ridge

• Protect the football and avoid giving Lassiter short fields.

• Find a way to slow down the Trojans' talented receiving corps.

• Create turnovers and capitalize on extra possessions.

• Establish the run to help keep the Lassiter offense off the field.

Lassiter

• Continue to attack the River Ridge secondary with its talented group of receivers.

• Take advantage of its experience and avoid costly mistakes.

• Establish the ground game to keep the Knights' defense honest.

• Pressure Lockerman and force the young River Ridge offense into difficult situations.

  
  

Pumdit's Pick

Lassiter has put teams in a pickle with its talented receiving corps, and we expect the Trojans to test the River Ridge secondary early and often. If the Knights can find a way to force a few turnovers, they can put themselves in the ballgame. But they will have to play mistake-free football themselves. This Lassiter team has been relatively efficient at scoring this season, and the Trojans have the experience and firepower to take advantage of mistakes. We expect a valiant effort from Hunter Lockerman and the Knights, but there is simply too much experience on the Lassiter side.

We like Lassiter by three touchdowns.