Above Photo Credit: Suad Bejtovic Photography
Just two weeks ago, Lone Star was reeling after their first loss of the season, while Wakeland was riding high, their wide Wolverine eyes twinkling with the sparkle of a 4-0 record…
Since then, the Wolverines have dropped two straight games, making tonight’s game as close to a “must-win” as is comfortable to say, while the Rangers have romped to two straight district wins, thanks to a relentless offense and a defense that is the exact opposite of porous.
Check out the Week 8 Podcast for a preview of this week’s Frisco Football action!
Lone Star (5-1, 3-0) VS Wakeland (4-2, 1-2)—Toyota Stadium, 7:00 PM
For the Lone Star Rangers, a Week 8 win over Wakeland will give them at least a share of the District 13-5A lead, which is always nice.
For the Wolverines though, this game means much more. Currently on a game two-game skid, the Wolverines are in a three-way tie for fourth place in the district, and need that second district “dub” to help ensure their early season promise comes to fruition with a postseason push.
Coming off a Week 7 loss where 66 points weren’t enough for a win, Wakeland is going to need to tighten a defense that has allowed 27.3 ppg—and surrendered a ridiculous 69 points in last week’s aforementioned loss.
On the flip-side, scoring hasn’t been an issue for Wakeland this season, as they have put up 45.5 points per contest. The Wolverines can pile on the points when given the opportunity, as they have yet to be held to less than 28 points during any game this season.
Led by QB Dylan Cadwallader (1,663 yds, 25 TDs, 5 INTs) it’s no shocker that Wakeland can put the hurt on a defense. At his disposal, he has no shortage of playmaking pass catchers in WRs Tre Adams (515 yds, 7 TDs), Peyton Reinersten (448 yds, 7 TDs) and Easton Reeves (446 yds, 8 TDs).
It’s not just a pass-only offense that Wakeland brings to the table, as they have two elite running backs in Colby Delashaw (736 yds, 5 TDs) and Cade Starnes (339 yds, 3 TDs). The Wolverines present the biggest challenge to Lone Star’s defense since that Week 4 loss to top-ranked Denton Ryan.
It’s easy to think solely of offense when Lone Star comes to mind, but over their last two games, the Rangers have allowed exactly zero points. In fact, over the school’s first seven games on the year, they’ve only allowed as many as 28 points once, and that was against Denton Ryan, a prolific offense averaging just under 40 points per game.
With what the Wolverines bring to the offensive table, I don’t think the Rangers defense is going to be able to put up their third straight zero.
However, controlling Wakeland’s stars when they have the ball is key for their fourth straight district win. And, naturally, Lone Star will have to put their fair share of points on the board too.
Shouldn’t be too difficult with M.J. Rivers running the show. An excellent passer, Rivers has 11 TDs with just one interception on the year. He’s spread out his 1,125 passing yds to his two key receivers, Marvin Mims (383 yds, 5 TDs) and Ife Opere (289 yds, 2 TDs).
What sets Rivers apart from the pack is his ability to run when his receivers are in tight coverage, or his pocket breaks down. He’s rushed for 451 yds and 7 TDs, which would be an excellent output for a running back, much less a dual-threat QB.
RB Kirby Bennett III (568 yds, 9 TDs) is even better with the ball, as he can slice up defenses laterally or take down the big boys by running right up the gut.
Tonight’s GOTW should be an exciting one, so make sure to check back here for the Week 8 Review!
