BRAZIL, Indiana (DLC Media) – Northview, coming off of back-to-back losses (Terre Haute South 36-27, Guerin Catholic 29-24) will host the 1-5 Edgewood Mustangs on Senior Night. The Knights faced their two biggest foes of the season and now look back to the WIC where they remain undefeated. This season the Knights have posted an insane 334.1 rush yards per game which totals 197.3 over the national average.
In last week’s game against Guerin Catholic Northview found themselves leading by 11 points at the half. However, things took a turn, and, with the help of a muffed kickoff, the Golden Eagles scored 14 points in four minutes. Guerin Catholic did not look back and despite some huge defensive plays, the Knights could not find enough offense to win. The Knights did finish the game with 298 rush yards and 3 rushing touchdowns while also forcing two interceptions. Although Northview has lost two consecutive games, the Knights showed a lot of promise in both games, and they will both be games to look back on once sectionals begin.
This week is Senior Day and it will be a pair of seniors that will lead the way for Northview, quarterback Kyle Cottee and running back Tyler Lee. Cottee has begun to hit targets for great gains in the air this season over the past couple of weeks having over 100 yards passing at Terre Haute South and also connecting on a big first down throw to Caelen Bell. The obvious part of the game that works though is the run game. Lee leads the way in rushing yards with 148.3 yards per game while also amassing 17 rushing touchdowns in 7 games. Cottee is no stranger to the run game though, as he rushes for 121.9 yards per game with 11 rush touchdowns.
Defensively Northview showed moments of excellence against their last two opponents. Slade Fell has recorded a pick in each of the last two games, including a big pick-6 against the Braves. Also the D-line looks as good as it has all season long with Kai Moore filling the interior line while players like Jace Deakins set the edge. At the second level Gage Thompson controls the middle of the field and also leads the team in total tackles (43).
FINAL ANALYSIS…
The Knights should be able to win out the last two games of the season and it starts with the Mustangs. Edgewood has struggled to establish any offense that wasn’t from their three different quarterbacks legs. Grant Coffey, Gabe Drew, and Michael Law could all see time behind center and that is not a great formula for success. Northview is hungry for a victory and the senior led Knights are not going to mess around with the Mustangs.
Final Prediction: 55-14 Northview def. Edgewood
NV Sagarin rating: 66.76 (20th in 4A)
EW Sagarin rating: 19.72 (62nd in 4A)