Scouting the Wolverines
The Woodstock Wolverines are flying high after they defeated Creekview on Saturday for the first time ever. That win has allowed the Wolverines to keep pace for a playoff spot and has proven that this Woodstock team is a serious playoff contender. Woodstock’s offense is averaging 33.8 points per game this season as quarterback Graham Burmeister has eclipsed the 1,000 yard mark passing this season. Burmeister has tallied 1,078 yards and 12-TDs. Eleven different receivers have caught passes for the Wolverines, with Chase Colina (31 receptions, 275 yards, 3-TDs), Drew Burmeister, (12 receptions, 274 yards, 3-TDs) and Isaiah Payton, (11 receptions, 216 yards, 2-TDs) leading the way, Payton has also rushed for 535 yards and 3-TDs. Last week, the Wolverines defense was able to force three turnovers, including an interception in their own red-zone and another interception to seal the victory. Woodstock has forced 11 turnovers on the year. The defense is allowing 14.1 points per game this season as Cooper Price and Drew Burmeister continue to lead the team in total tackles with 60 and 54 respectively.
Scouting the Greyhounds
The Pope Greyhounds have been up and down this season, but did get back on track their last time out as they defeated Lassiter. You might be surprised to learn that even with one of the state’s leading receivers, (John Stuetzer - 27 receptions, 640 yards, 9-TDs), the Greyhounds are a run first team and average 228.8 yards per game on the ground while just 139.2 yards per game through the air. It has been running back by committee for the Pope offense, with J.T. Way (574 yards, 3-TDs), Ethan Alterman (299 yards, 1-TD), quarterback Hudson Deline (289 yards) and the aforementioned Stuetzer, (203 yards, 5-TDs) leading the way. Deline has thrown for 786 yards and 10-TDs, with only one interception. Pope is averaging 26.1 points per game. Defensively, the Greyhounds are led by Nick Chao (6-sacks, team leader) and safety Nigel Combs (60 total tackles, team leader). The defense is allowing 32.8 points per game and has sacked opposing quarterbacks 12 times.
Pundit's Pick
All region games carry significance, but this one might more than others, as both of these teams can dramatically increase their playoff odds with a win. Woodstock will need to stymie Pope’s ground attack while Pope will have to find away to harass Woodstock’s sophomore QB. Burmeister hasn’t been rattled much this season and even when he has been, he’s bounced back most of the time. We believe this is a close game and if Woodstock’s secondary can force a couple of turnovers, this could be a special night for Woodstock. We like the Wolverines by 10.
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