Wolverines Riding Momentum into Crucial Showdown with Grizzlies

Scouting the Wolverines

The Woodstock Wolverines held off Lassiter last week to extend their win streak to four. Junior QB Graham Burmeister has been the engine of the offense, already throwing for 1,044 yards and 11 TDs against four interceptions while completing nearly 65% of his passes. He also leads the team in rushing with 437 yards and 4 TDs.

His go-to target is Rylan Hubbard, who’s been outstanding with 41 receptions for 465 yards and 4 TDs. Adrian Holliday (14 catches, 156 yards, 3 TDs) adds a secondary option, while RB Xavier Murphy has been versatile with 10 catches for 122 yards and 2 TDs, plus 239 rushing yards and a score. Overall, Woodstock averages 218 yards passing and 172 rushing per game.

Defensively, the Wolverines allow just 16.6 points per game. Tyler Howard (28 tackles) and Daniel Palmese (27 tackles) anchor the unit, while senior DT Djibril Ba is having a standout season with 8 tackles for loss and 5 sacks.

Scouting the Grizzlies

After a sluggish start, the Grizzlies have found their footing, extending a slim halftime lead to score 28 unanswered points in last week’s win over Riverwood. Despite not scoring a touchdown until Week 3, they’re averaging 18.6 points per game.

QB Alex Penrod has sparked the offense as he's thrown for 281 yards, rushed for 221 yards and accounted for 7-TDs, and RB Carson Lott has emerged as the hot hand with 401 yards and 3 TDs this season. Jackson Shirley has been a reliable target with 13 catches for 209 yards and 2-TDs, while receivers Robert Van Alstyne and Derrick Mizysak Jr. are both threats to break out.

On defense, J.D. Russell (38 total tackles) and Landon Parker (36 tackles) lead the way. Jason Nicks and Ridge Camp both have recorded a team high 7 tackles for loss. The Grizzlies have sacked opposing quarterbacks 6.5 times and forced four turnovers this season.

🔑 Keys to Victory

Woodstock Wolverines

• Let Burmeister Cook: Keep the ball in the hands of your dual-threat QB to stress the Grizzlies at every level.

• Spread the Ball: Continue to feed Hubbard but also mix in Holliday and Murphy to keep Creekview guessing.

• Stay Disciplined Up Front: Protect Burmeister and avoid drive-killing penalties.

• Maintain Defensive Pressure: Ba and the front seven must disrupt the Grizzlies’ rhythm before it starts.

Creekview Grizzlies

• Control the Clock: Sustained drives with Lott and multiple backs will keep Burmeister on the sideline.

• Finish Drives: Field goals won’t beat this Woodstock offense — touchdowns are a must.

• Limit Explosive Plays: Prevent Hubbard from getting free downfield and contain Burmeister on scrambles.

• Play Mistake-Free Football: Minimize penalties and turnovers to give themselves a chance late.

Pundit's Pick

The stakes are rising in Region 6-6A. Woodstock (4-1) has won four straight and is 2-0 in region play for the first time since 2016. Creekview (2-3) has strung together back-to-back wins and is looking to claw back to .500. With both teams chasing playoff positioning, this matchup looms large — the winner will have a clear path to a postseason berth. Creekview’s defense can keep the game close, but Woodstock’s playmakers and Burmeister’s versatility give the Wolverines the edge.

Prediction: Woodstock by 13.