Trojans, Grizzlies Set for Clash of Contrasting Styles

Scouting the Trojans

The Lassiter Trojans suffered just their second loss of the season at the hands of Sequoyah last week. Even in defeat, the Trojans managed to put up 357 yards of total offense. On the season, Lassiter has thrown for 1,811 yards and rushed for 1,414 yards.

Sophomore quarterback Caden Jones has thrown for 1,808 yards and 23 touchdowns. Collins Price has caught 63 passes for 930 yards and 10 touchdowns and currently leads Class 6A in receiving yards. Dalton Price (30 receptions, 362 yards, 5 TDs) and Bryce Kitzrow (14 receptions, 229 yards, 4 TDs) help form a dangerous receiving corps.

Nick Hooten leads the team in rushing with 455 yards and a touchdown, while senior Caden Bloom has demonstrated his versatility with 434 rushing yards, 156 receiving yards and six total touchdowns.

Lassiter is averaging 40.5 points per game while allowing 19 points per contest. Defensively, the Trojans have been led by Cole Stewart (43 total tackles, 9 TFLs, 1.5 sacks), Tyler Corona (39 total tackles, 5.5 TFLs, 2 sacks) and Drew McGee(38 total tackles, 5.5 TFLs, 2.5 sacks). Lassiter has recorded 14 sacks and forced 12 turnovers this season.

Scouting the Grizzlies

The Creekview Grizzlies had little trouble with Pope on Friday night, rolling to a 31-point victory and giving the homecoming crowd plenty to cheer about. Lott ran for 129 yards and a pair of touchdowns to pace the Grizzlies. On the season, Lott has rushed for 1,039 yards and 13 touchdowns, leading a ground attack that has accumulated more than 1,800 yards.

Freshman Jax Howard (279 yards, 2 TDs) and quarterback Landon Barnes (272 yards, 6 TDs) have added depth to the rushing attack. Credit also goes to Creekview's offensive line of Ryan Sullivan, Caleb Glover, Bryant Kealhoffer, Wyatt Hill, Jack Wright and Colton Champagne, who have paved the way for the Grizzlies' success on the ground.

Defensively, Creekview is allowing just 13.6 points per game. Landon Parker leads the team with 59 total tackles and 10 tackles for loss, while J.D. Russell has added 55 total tackles. Hudson Stanley leads the team with 11 tackles for loss, and Caden Simpson tops the squad with three sacks. The Grizzlies have recorded 10 sacks and forced eight turnovers this season.

Keys to the Game

Lassiter

• Establish the passing game early. Caden Jones and Collins Price have been a productive combination all season, and the Trojans need to take advantage of their ability to stretch the field.

• Avoid costly turnovers. Lassiter has thrown two interceptions in each of its two losses, and both interceptions last week were returned for touchdowns.

• Make Creekview play from behind. Forcing the Grizzlies to abandon their ground-heavy approach would put the game in Lassiter's favor.

Creekview

• Control the clock with the ground game. The Grizzlies have rushed for more than 1,800 yards this season, and their physical offensive line will be critical to keeping Lassiter's offense off the field.

• Win the turnover battle. Creekview needs to find a way to disrupt Jones and the Lassiter passing attack, with an emphasis on turning takeaways into points.

• Make Lassiter defend the run. Lott, Howard and Barnes give the Grizzlies multiple options, and a productive ground game will help keep the Trojans' defense honest.

Pundit's Pick

This matchup features two teams with contrasting offensive styles, which should make for an interesting contest. Creekview's best defense may be its ability to put together time-consuming drives behind its physical offensive line and proven stable of running backs.

Meanwhile, Lassiter would benefit from getting off to a fast start and forcing Creekview to throw the football more than it is accustomed to doing. Turnovers could also play a significant role. In Lassiter's two losses, the Trojans have thrown multiple interceptions, including two last week that were returned for touchdowns. Creekview's defense will need to find a way to force at least one turnover and turn that opportunity into points. The Grizzlies have the physicality to keep this game close, but we believe Lassiter's passing attack will ultimately prove to be the difference.

Prediction: Lassiter by 8.