Week 11 sees all six classes in action as the 5A and 6A playoffs kick off around the state this Friday.
The lone 5A area sectional is Sectional 12, with one team the clear favorite.
THE DRAW
Anderson (2-7) vs. Snider (8-1) at Wayne HS
North Side (3-6) bye
THE FAVORITE
SNIDER (8-1)
Outside of an overtime loss to Homestead in Week 6, the Panthers have been dominant, outscoring their opponents by an average of 25 points per game.
The rushing game has led the way. Over two-thirds of Snider’s total yards have come on the ground. Uriah Buchanan leads the way with 1,448 yards rushing and 17 touchdowns. Snider is aqveraging 230 yards on the ground per game.
Quarterback Ke’ron Billingsley is effective enough to keep defenses honest, completing 68 percent of his throws for 849 yards and nine scores. He can also be effective outside of the pocket with 265 yards rushing and five scores.
The defense is opportunistic – with 29 sacks, 17 interceptions, three fumble recoveries and, amazingly, five defensive touchdowns.
Adam Blakey and Will Kelso are exceptional up front, while Lukas Rohrbacher manning the middle of the second level has considerable quickness and finishing ability. On the back end, juniors Brandon Logan at safety and Jamarion Kolagbodi at corner are two of the area’s best, combining for 87 tackles and seven INTs.
THE REST
ANDERSON (2-7)
The Indians have just two wins this season, which came against teams with a combined 1-18 record.
In each of its seven losses, Anderson has surrendered at least 33 points. In five of those seven, they have allowed 47 or more points.
In other words, the Indians have trouble stopping people.
Offensively, receiver Tavious Menifee has been exceptional with 561 yards passing and four touchdowns, but other than the junior standout, Anderson lacks much in the way of firepower.
NORTH SIDE (3-6)
It has been a struggle for the Legends this season.
The three wins came against teams with a combined two victories. North has been competitive, letting home games against Bishop Luers and Wayne get away late, as well as a visit to Bishop Dwenger, but the Legends have struggled to put together a complete four quarters while avoiding self-inflicting miscues.
The instability at quarterback hasn’t helped, with Dylan Schible, Jamari Pearson and Brauntae Johnson all seeing time behind center. Johnson is out for the remainder of the season, which hurts in a myriad of ways.
Senior running back Kamden Johnson has been the most consistent offensive threat with 833 yards rushing and five touchdowns.
The defense has had its ups and downs but has thrived at times. Tristen Newsome is an underrated safety with five interceptions. Da’Von Haney Jr. and Josh Masasu are masters at chaos in the backfield from their positions in the front seven.
When it plays the winner of Snider-Anderson, North Side will be coming off a double bye. Will that lead to a refocused Legends team? If so, perhaps Coach Ben Johnson’s team can be in position to give a good showing. Of note is the fact that North Side and Snider did not face off in the regular season in the new SAC schedule format.
Be the first to comment