Seniors Look to Go Out Winners in Wolverines-Knights Clash

Scouting the Wolverines

The Woodstock Wolverines will look to close out their season on a high note and send their seniors out with a victory. The Wolverines are averaging 18.8 points per game, generating 164.3 yards per game through the air and 106.7 yards per game on the ground.

Senior quarterback Graham Burmeister has thrown for 1,132 yards and rushed for 457 yards, accounting for 18 total touchdowns in just six games this season. Xavier Murphy has chipped in 385 yards on the ground and four touchdowns. Rylan Hubbard has led the way all season for the Wolverines and comes into the game with 34 receptions for 374 yards and six touchdowns. Adrian Holliday (17 receptions, 247 yards, 1 touchdown), Owen Aghatotikolo (13 receptions, 221 yards, 1 touchdown) and Murphy (14 receptions, 202 yards, 2 touchdowns) have all made an impact in the receiving game.

Defensively, the Wolverines are allowing 37.4 points per game. We have said it before, and we will say it again: Djabril Ba (64 total tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 1 sack) and Caleb Vigna (80 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 2 sacks) lead the defensive effort. The Wolverines have recorded 10 sacks and forced 12 turnovers this season.

Scouting the Knights

The River Ridge Knights ran up against a buzzsaw last week and will now look to pick up their first win of the season against a county and cross-town rival. The Knights are averaging 14.1 points per game, generating 116.9 yards per game through the air and 91.2 yards per game on the ground.

Quarterback Hunter Lockerman has thrown for 1,040 yards and nine touchdowns. He has also rushed for 465 yards and five touchdowns, leading the team in both categories. Sam Paul has chipped in 293 yards and one touchdown on the ground. Hudson McKoy (18 receptions, 289 yards, 1 touchdown), Andrew Rowe (17 receptions, 305 yards, 3 touchdowns) and Barrentine Quinn (17 receptions, 147 yards, 3 touchdowns) have led the way through the air.

Defensively, the Knights are allowing 43.1 points per game. Andrew Rowe leads the team with 22 total tackles and will be an important part of the defensive effort against the Woodstock passing attack.

Keys to the Game

Woodstock

• Protect Burmeister: Give the senior quarterback time to operate and take advantage of the opportunities available in the passing game.

• Get Hubbard involved: Rylan Hubbard needs to continue being a reliable target and help create explosive plays through the air.

• Contain Lockerman: The Wolverines must account for Hunter Lockerman's dual-threat ability and keep him from extending plays with his legs.

• Finish defensively: Djabril Ba and Caleb Vigna need to lead the defensive effort and help Woodstock get stops in key situations.

  
  

River Ridge

• Let Lockerman make plays: Hunter Lockerman needs to use his arm and legs to keep the Woodstock defense off balance.

• Win the passing matchups: Andrew Rowe, Hudson McKoy and Barrentine Quinn need to create separation and give Lockerman reliable targets.

• Slow down the Woodstock receivers: The Knights must find a way to limit Rylan Hubbard and prevent the Wolverines from making big plays through the air.

• Create defensive opportunities: River Ridge needs to pressure Burmeister, force mistakes and find ways to get off the field on third down.

Pundit's Pick

It has been a season of what could have been for both programs if the injury bug had not hit so hard. Both teams will be looking to send their seniors out with a victory, and this matchup features a battle between two senior quarterbacks.

We believe the quarterback who plays the best will ultimately lead his team to victory. Burmeister has settled into more of a passer since returning from injury, which will put pressure on Andrew Rowe and the River Ridge secondary to contain the Woodstock receiving corps. Meanwhile, Lockerman will need to continue making plays with both his arm and legs to keep the Knights within striking distance.

We expect this to be a close game through the first half, but Woodstock's experience and offensive balance should allow the Wolverines to take control after halftime.

Prediction: Woodstock by 14.