Landon Kleindorfer
BRAZIL, Indiana (DLC Media) – Northview wrapped up the regular season with a 1-3 stretch including a loss at Indian Creek last week, coming down to the final field goal game-winner. The Knights, however, have not been daunted as they still boast one of the best rushing attacks in the state. The Knights must, now, rally the troops as they face yet another tough competitor in Brebeuf (4-4).
The records are similar for both teams, but the way in which these two teams win is completely opposite. Whereas Northview will run the ball behind their two running backs, quick receivers, and mobile quarterback, Brebeuf is an air raid offense that posts nearly 300 pass yards per game. The Braves have culminated a decent rush game as well behind CJ Harris who runs for 82 yards per game with 4 total rushing touchdowns. Taylor Clark and Leroy Lewis IV lead all receivers with a combined 163 yards per game through the air and 14 touchdowns. This offense is led by quarterback Maverick Geske who has been letting the football fly all season. Geske has thrown 27 touchdowns to 7 interceptions on the year. He also has some mobile capabilities as well.
Defensively, the Braves are led in tackles by Parker Maiers with 92 ToT. Maiers also leads the teams with 5.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. With a rush game dominant offense like Northview, the Braves may struggle to force turnovers. Brebeuf has forced 10 turnovers on the year, however, they are primarily interceptions (8).
The Knights are going to be expected to play the same way they have all season. Meaning, Northview will be run first, pass maybe. Quarterback Kyle Cottee has mainly thrived off of quick passing and those designed plays have not occured often. This means that, much like the rest of the season, the Knights will rely on Cottee’s legs and the legs of senior running back Tyler Lee. Lee rushes for 150 yards per game with 19 touchdowns. through nine games this season, Lee has eight 100+ yard games. He is helped in the rush game by Cottee who has 127 yards per game on the ground and 16 touchdowns. Cottee has rushed for 100+ in seven games this year.
The defense continued to look very tough against Indian Creek. The only kryptonite for the defense has been the quarterback draw. containing the running back has been fantastic and through the air the defense has been very “bend don’t break”. Most teams are not putting up their average scoring numbers against this defense.
FINAL ANALYSIS…
The Knights have played three tough teams this season (THS, Guerin Catholic, Indian Creek) and the outcome has been bleak. The team has shown resilience in all three games, never losing by more than single digits. Brebeuf’s big win comes against 8-1 tri-west but other than that, the Braves look as though they have suffered the same fate. The Knights are coached by an experienced staff and senior leadership. It should be a great game in Brazil, Indiana.
Final Prediction: 35-34 Northview defeats Brebeuf Jesuit
NV Sagarin: 62.50 (24th 4A)
BJ Sagarin: 66.91 (19th 4A)