Showdown at the Ridge: Knights Look to Sting Sprayberry’s Surge

Scouting the Knights

The River Ridge Knights came off their bye week with authority, blanking Riverwood on the road to claim their third straight victory. Now riding a wave of momentum, the Knights head into a crucial matchup that could help decide who controls the top of the region standings.

Through seven games, River Ridge has piled up 1,338 rushing yards, with the dynamic duo of Camden Cox and Micah Pugh combining for 1,058 yards and nine touchdowns. The pair has recorded six 100-yard rushing performances between them, providing balance and consistency for the Knights’ offense. A major reason for that success has been the steady play of the offensive line, anchored by Gabriel Bellback and Tomas Perez, who have paved the way for a run game that wears defenses down.

Quarterback Hunter Lockerman has given River Ridge a complementary passing element, throwing for 847 yards and six touchdowns. His top targets include Sam Vincent (16 receptions, 192 yards, 1 TD), Arden Redmond (10 receptions, 265 yards), and Pugh, who’s also contributed in the passing game.

Defensively, the Knights have been just as impressive, allowing only 13 points per game. Linebackers Matthew Burdette and Wyatt McCarty lead the charge with 72 tackles each, while Harris Deriso has racked up 11 tackles for loss and six sacks. In the secondary, Andrew Rowe (4 interceptions) and Sam Vincent (3 interceptions) have combined for all seven of River Ridge’s picks this year.

Scouting the Yellow Jackets

The Sprayberry Yellow Jackets are also playing their best football at the right time, coming off a thrilling overtime win against Creekview to notch their second straight victory. The Jackets have been electric offensively, averaging 41.7 points per game with a well-rounded attack that can score from anywhere on the field.

As a team, Sprayberry has rushed for 1,685 yards, with Jrue Keeling leading the way (361 yards, 7 TDs). Dual-threat quarterback Jaden Duckett has added 345 rushing yards and three scores, while Kealan Jones (291 yards, 3 TDs) and Ian Hulbert (299 yards, 3 TDs) give the Jackets impressive depth in the backfield. Through the air, Duckett has passed for 1,077 yards and 14 touchdowns, spreading the ball primarily to Jorden Edmonds (22 receptions, 405 yards, 7 TDs) and Kobe Lewis (21 receptions, 318 yards, 4 TDs).

On defense, Sprayberry has been opportunistic, allowing 20.2 points per game and recording 13 sacks and nine turnovers. Gabe Clarke leads the front with 10 tackles for loss, while Isaac Da Silva (4 sacks) and Reyzon Bachman(45 total tackles) help anchor the unit.

Keys to the Game

River Ridge Knights

• Establish the Ground Game: Cox and Pugh must get going early behind their strong offensive line to control tempo and limit Sprayberry’s offensive possessions.

• Stay Disciplined Defensively: Quarterback Jaden Duckett’s dual-threat ability can stress a defense — maintaining gap integrity and avoiding over-pursuit will be crucial.

• Balanced Attack: Mixing in timely passes from Lockerman to Vincent and Redmond will keep Sprayberry’s defense honest and prevent them from loading the box.

Sprayberry Yellow Jackets

• Win the Line of Scrimmage: The Jackets’ defensive front must contain River Ridge’s powerful run game and force the Knights into third-and-long situations.

• Let Duckett Cook: The junior quarterback’s ability to extend plays with his legs and create downfield opportunities will be key to keeping the Knights’ defense off balance.

• Limit Turnovers: In a matchup this close, ball security could decide the outcome. Sprayberry must protect the football and finish drives with points.

Pundit's Pick

With both teams sitting in a five-way tie for first place, this matchup has major postseason implications and should be one of the most physical games of the week.This game has all the makings of another Region 6-5A thriller. Both teams can pound the football, both have playmakers on defense, and both are playing with confidence. Expect another tight, physical battle where every possession counts.

Prediction: River Ridge by 3