Here are “three things to watch” as Grimsley prepares to host the Hough Huskies in the third round of the 4A West Playoffs.
- Field Position. Last week, Grimsley took all five first half possessions in for touchdowns. It might not be as easy this week as Hough has a very solid defense. What will be important is getting first downs. Making Hough go 70-80 yards for points every drive has been a talking point for Darryl Brown all week. Putting drives together, even if it just means flipping field position, should play a factor in this one. Hough’s offense is not built for 10 play drives or converting long 3rd downs. Hough starting quarterback #4 Trey Blakeney only averages 134 yards passing a game. If Grimsley can make them go the length of the field for points, the Whirlies will find themselves with a great opportunity to win this game.
- Hough has an outstanding place kicker. This year #81 Nolan Hauser became the most prolific kicker in the nation. He officially broke the national high school football record for the most career field goals. His dad was a pitcher on a college world series team and his mother, Sheri Bueter Hauser, was an All-American at Clemson and played for the United States National Soccer Team. Nolan has officially committed to play for Clemson.
- Grimsley’s ground game. When the run game is working, everything gets easier and Hough knows this. Last week, #22 Mitchell Summers ran for 290 yards and 6 touchdowns. Hough has two great edge rushers in #2 James Nesta and #16 Cameron Cyr who will be tasked with trying to contain Summers. If the Whirlies can get the run game cranked up again, the offense can really take off. I’m expecting the Whirlies to run a lot, control the clock, flip the field and make Hough stack the box.