When: Friday, September 26th, 7 PM
Where: Wilson High School
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Week 4 of the schedule brings an intriguing match-up to us as the Generals travel to Wilson High School. The Trojans are coming off of a 54-6 beat down of Franklin, and it seems their new turf field has brought a new-found swagger and tons of support from the surrounding community. Grant is looking to get on a role in the PIL after dismantling Benson last week, which sets up for what could be an all out war on the west side.
Wilson features a stout running game behind an above-average offensive line that allows for running back Sam Ketter to use his agility to create in open field situations. If the Generals hope to have a shot, they must do better against the run than they have so far this season. Expect for head coach Diallo Lewis and defensive coordinator Randy Heath to have Grant well prepared and ready to go when the lights go on this Friday.
For the Generals, it comes down to the offensive and defensive lines. If a win is going to be the outcome, it will be earned in the trenches this week. DeAngelo Penn, Caleb Weekly, and the rest of the defensive line have a tall task in stopping the running game of the Trojans, but if they do it will allow them much more of a chance for the defense to get off the field.
Defensively, Wilson is an aggressive bunch, lining up in a 4-2-5 the majority of the time. Blitzing linebackers should be expected on most plays, which means the offensive line needs to be on top of their game to keep Sam Davis upright for the night. Expect to see the Generals take advantage of Wilson’s aggressiveness early on to take control of the game.
With this being a big game in terms of taking control of the PIL race, look for both teams to be ready to play from the opening kick.
Grant Keys to Victory:
Defense Plays Big:
As the old saying goes: “offense wins games, defense wins championships.” By this I mean yes, the Generals could outscore teams this year if their offense is running how it’s designed. However, every team that gets to play late into November has a strong defense. Grant’s defense is loaded with athletes, and this is the week we will find out how they respond to a challenge. The defensive line and linebackers must show the ability to stop the run, and when the Trojans do start throwing the ball, the defensive backfield has to make plays on the ball.
Embrace the Chaos:
As previously stated, the new turf fields in the PIL have brought about a better support system for each school, and this, combined with the great setting of Wilson’s stadium, makes for some electric Friday nights.
Control Field Position:
As with any game, field position is of vital importance. Special teams play has to be better for Grant this week. If the Trojans are starting near midfield all night, the Generals could be in for a world of hurt defensively. Look for kicker Joey Kenney to have a big night and the kickoff team to be locked in after having a so-so performance last week.
Play General Football:
You hear this with every program, but all Grant needs to do is focus on playing their game, and the rest will fall into place. You can only control what you do on any given play, and remembering this will be key to having a successful week.
Prediction:
Grant +10:
Playing in what is shaping up to be the Game of the Week should give us a preview of how this year’s team will handle the big stage. I believe that this team has shown enough growth in the first few weeks of the season to be mature enough to focus on the job they have to do if they want to contend for a PIL championship.
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