Wolverines Aim to Bounce Back Against on the road against the Greyhounds

Scouting the Greyhounds

The Pope Greyhounds return from a bye week in search of their first win of the season. The Greyhounds have faced a tough start to the year while retooling much of their offense, averaging just 11 points per game. Pope is gaining 102.2 passing yards and 130 rushing yards per contest, with quarterback Hudson Marinnko throwing for 511 yards and 5 touchdowns with only one interception through five games.

The running game is led by Ivan Darden Jr. (329 yards, 2 TDs) and Ethan Alterman (176 yards). In the passing game, sophomore Luc McClendon has shown big-play ability with 9 receptions for 228 yards and 1 touchdown. Defensively, Pope has struggled, allowing 41.8 points per game, making it a tough challenge against a strong region opponent.

Scouting the Wolverines

The Woodstock Wolverines, meanwhile, are locked into a four-way tie for second place in the region and are looking to rebound after a recent setback. Quarterback Graham Burmeister has been the centerpiece of the offense, throwing for 1,226 yards and rushing for 482 yards, accounting for 18 total touchdowns. Top receiving target Ryland Hubbard has 42 catches for 467 yards and 4 scores, while Xavier Murphy and Trace Washington have combined for 400 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns.

Woodstock is averaging 27.6 points per game on offense and has been strong defensively, allowing just 18.5 points per game. Danny Palmese, Trace Washington, and Tyler Howard lead the team in tackles, while Jjibril Ba anchors the pass rush with 6 sacks and 9 tackles for loss. The Wolverines have also forced 10 turnovers this season.

Keys to the Game

For Pope:

• Establish the Run: Darden Jr. and Alterman must find lanes to control the clock and set up play-action opportunities.

• Connect with McClendon: Take advantage of the big-play threat in the passing game to stretch Woodstock’s defense.

• Stay Competitive on Defense: Limiting explosive plays and forcing at least one turnover could keep the game within reach.

For Woodstock:

• Balanced Offense: Mix Burmeister’s passing with Murphy and Washington in the run game to keep Pope off-balance.

• Defensive Focus: Contain Pope’s ground game to prevent sustained drives and avoid letting the Greyhounds dictate tempo.

• Force Turnovers: Pressure Marinnko and capitalize on mistakes to maintain control of the game.

Pundit's Pick

This matchup features a struggling Greyhounds team against a refocused and balanced Wolverines squad. While Pope will rely on its ground game and big-play ability from McClendon, Woodstock’s combination of passing, rushing, and disciplined defense should prove too much. The bye week should allow the Wolverines to reset and attack efficiently.

Prediction: Woodstock by 29