Bishop Carroll vs Northwest Playoff Preview

So Far:
Bishop Carroll: The Golden Eagles have had a great season thus far. They currently stand at 8-2 on the year, with the team’s only two losses coming against the Derby Panthers and the Northwest Grizzlies. After falling to the Derby Panthers in week 4, the Golden Eagles went on a tear, winning their next six games by wide margins. The win streak has been made possible by exceptional play from the defense, led by seniors Phoenix Smith and Dalton Nichols. The Golden Eagle defense has not allowed more than 14 points over the course of the win streak.

Northwest: The Northwest Grizzlies have had a dominant season thus far, as they currently stand at 10-0 on the year. The Grizzlies defense has been the driving force behind the team’s success, not giving up more than 20 points all season. But the offense of the Grizzlies, led by quarterback Reagan Jones, has been equally as impressive, putting up over 50 points in six of the team’s 10 wins. It is extremely challenging to not only stop the Grizzlies explosive offense, but also being able to put forth consistently long drives against their stout defense. This will be the biggest challenge that the Golden Eagles have faced all year.

Who’s Hot?
Bishop Carroll: Hunter Trail (RB): Trail has been the driving force behind the Golden Eagles offense. He is beginning to put up consistent game changing plays early in the game, which in turn gives the Golden Eagles momentum throughout the remainder of the game. He will need to put on another great showing if his team hopes to take down the Grizzlies.

Northwest Grizzlies: Running game: The Grizzlies possess one of the most elite rushing attacks in the state of Kansas. It is led by the talented trio of Jamar Martin, Julius Bolden, and Raegan Jones. The Grizzlies were able to get six total touchdowns and 396 total yards during their previous game against Great Bend. It is these types of outings that have helped the Grizzlies produce dominant performances all season.

Prediction:
Expect for this to be a close game throughout, with both teams exchanging touchdowns throughout the first half. But come the second half the game will begin to turn into a hard-nosed defensive battle. The Golden Eagles will be able to pull out a late game field goal off of the foot of kicker George Walden. This will go down as the biggest upset of the playoffs, as the heavily favored Grizzlies fall relatively early in the tournament at the hands of a highly determined Golden Eagles. Prediction: BC: 38>NW: 35.